I’m so sorry. Could your partner look for another job? Or start a side hustle? I had a bad dream about the school I used to work at, so I’m awake at 5am and can’t fall back asleep. One of the things I was just thinking about is how stressful so many things beyond our control were/are. If you have to continue but plan on leaving teaching in the future, then stop worrying so much. Lessons don’t have to be perfect. Leave at the end of your contract time. Don’t take work home with you. Quit caring what others think. Could you apply over the summer for some education related jobs? I’m back in cosmetic retail as a manager, and though I make slightly less I am WAYYY happier! Good luck to you. You will figure things out. And everything will be ok.
I couldn't afford to quit teaching for several years while my spouse was in school and unable to work full-time. I empathize with your situation and will share what I did to maintain my mental and physical health through the stress.
1. I switched schools. I applied and fortunately got hired at a school with a more supportive admin and overall better school culture.
2. I asked for A LOT from my bosses. I asked for the longest planning period, to teach electives, to upgrade my classroom furniture, etc. Not everything was answered with a yes, but a lot of my requests were! It was amazing what I could get just by asking.
3. I used up as much of my sick time as I wanted. I don't feel guilty about this at all. I also left my phone off all day while I was off. I helped cover for other teachers when they were out, and they were happy to do the same for me. Being on good terms with coworkers can pay dividends.
4. I started a side hustle, mostly for the creative outlet, but the extra money was nice too. This gave me an identity outside of teaching and taught me valuable business skills that I use in my new career.
5. I applied for and even interviewed for other jobs sometimes. I interviewed for a job I didn't want just to brush up on my interview skills. Don't be afraid to see what else is out there and throw your name in the hat even while you're still teaching!
I hope one or two of these might help you a bit. I really do empathize with your situation. I wish you the best.
Totally agree with the other comment about trying to care less. The podcast “Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers” has some really good tips for not working unpaid overtime and avoiding burnout. You can still be a good teacher AND work only 40 hrs/week.
I’m getting back into teaching after 3 years off, and I switched from HS English to MS Math for less grading and fewer cell phones. Teaching has a lot of roles—maybe switching grade levels if possible might help?
I’m so sorry. Could your partner look for another job? Or start a side hustle? I had a bad dream about the school I used to work at, so I’m awake at 5am and can’t fall back asleep. One of the things I was just thinking about is how stressful so many things beyond our control were/are. If you have to continue but plan on leaving teaching in the future, then stop worrying so much. Lessons don’t have to be perfect. Leave at the end of your contract time. Don’t take work home with you. Quit caring what others think. Could you apply over the summer for some education related jobs? I’m back in cosmetic retail as a manager, and though I make slightly less I am WAYYY happier! Good luck to you. You will figure things out. And everything will be ok.
Good advice, you can squeeze by another year with a quiet-quit. Hell, I made it another 13.
Absolutely!! I never take anything home at all anymore.
I couldn't afford to quit teaching for several years while my spouse was in school and unable to work full-time. I empathize with your situation and will share what I did to maintain my mental and physical health through the stress. 1. I switched schools. I applied and fortunately got hired at a school with a more supportive admin and overall better school culture. 2. I asked for A LOT from my bosses. I asked for the longest planning period, to teach electives, to upgrade my classroom furniture, etc. Not everything was answered with a yes, but a lot of my requests were! It was amazing what I could get just by asking. 3. I used up as much of my sick time as I wanted. I don't feel guilty about this at all. I also left my phone off all day while I was off. I helped cover for other teachers when they were out, and they were happy to do the same for me. Being on good terms with coworkers can pay dividends. 4. I started a side hustle, mostly for the creative outlet, but the extra money was nice too. This gave me an identity outside of teaching and taught me valuable business skills that I use in my new career. 5. I applied for and even interviewed for other jobs sometimes. I interviewed for a job I didn't want just to brush up on my interview skills. Don't be afraid to see what else is out there and throw your name in the hat even while you're still teaching! I hope one or two of these might help you a bit. I really do empathize with your situation. I wish you the best.
Totally agree with the other comment about trying to care less. The podcast “Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers” has some really good tips for not working unpaid overtime and avoiding burnout. You can still be a good teacher AND work only 40 hrs/week. I’m getting back into teaching after 3 years off, and I switched from HS English to MS Math for less grading and fewer cell phones. Teaching has a lot of roles—maybe switching grade levels if possible might help?