Why I Quit Teaching
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- Опубликовано: 20 сен 2024
- I taught for three years at a wonderful school in Brooklyn, New York. I don't regret my time teaching *at all*. I am so grateful for everything I learned, and especially for the relationships I built with students! It was a very tough decision to quit, but it turned out to be what I needed to do for my physical and mental well-being.
I maintain that teaching is the hardest job that exists, especially in America. I have the utmost admiration and awe for teachers because it's TOUGH work, but I'm certain it's the surest way to change the world.
WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED TEACHING:
• What I wish I knew bef...
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It's not you. Been teaching 23 years. I still feel that way. This year was soooooo eye opening, I have finally put up some major boundaries.
What boundaries? Just curious
I am exhausted. Teaching requires you to work before you start working so that you are ready to do your job while you are at work and to work after you finished working so you can do all the things you did not have time to do while you were working.
Sooo true!!! Well said. I really don't think most people understand the amount of work involved.
Work,work, work often with little recognition.
I've taught for 23 years. This is the clearest definition of teaching I've ever read.
This was a fun, creative, and beautiful video about a difficult subject. You are very talented. I am a teacher and I have a passion for it, but it wrecks my mood all the time and I think it is time to move on. People leave teaching a for a lot of reasons, but mental health should be the number one reason to leave a job and not feel badly about it.
Thank you so much! That’s very kind. I’m sorry to hear you feel similarly though 😫 I wish it wasn’t so common.
I left teaching after 15 years…anxiety and lack of sleep drove me quickly to submit my resignation letter.😓
@@piolynna33 it’s a tough decision but the job just worse and worse . Well done
This is so true
I taught for 26 yrs. If you aren't in the trenches, you will not understand how absolutely difficult it is. Plus, I had 2 children of my own to raise. I finally had to leave the profession and I wish I had done it a long time ago.
So true. I really don’t think people understand unless they have been a teacher or *maybe* if they live with someone who is.
I think some students understand to an extent. We have to do schoolwork after hours too (for 8 different teachers). Everyone learns and works differently so some students and teachers just don't fit the system. I can understand that feeling of shame for not being able to keep up because in our academic culture, having good grades is equated with being a good person and perceived slackers are looked down upon regardless of how hard they are actually trying. And students can feel how high stakes school is too since it affects their futures. It was insightful to hear that some teachers feel similarly. This year was extra hard as a student, so it must have been awful for teachers too. Thanks for sharing, and remember you're not actually alone.
I'm on year 26. I am thinking of leaving at year's end.
You did not leave because it was difficult. After 26 years, you probably retired.
Aside from adhd ...thousands of teachers are leaving because of low salaries, exploitation and degradation from society -- you’re not the only one. Plus, adhd can also be caused by environmental factors. The workload and unreasonable expectations for teachers are just .. abnormal
So true! I didn’t realize ADHD could be caused by environmental factors, but that makes so much sense!!
@@scribbledbysophie6589 you’re so beautiful and talented ❤️ God bless you Sophie!
I did not mean to hit the “thumbs down “ button. I do not know how to undo this mistake. I totally agree with you ! I apologize.
@@marilynford3701 you press the thumbs down again and it will turn off - or just hit the thumbs up.
As long as there is a big long line of young people graduating college and getting their teaching credentials with a willingness to teach, no changes will be made. Sad though that might be, that is a fact of the market. So yeah, teachers are burning out and quitting but UNLIKE law enforcement (where cops are quitting in droves at the moment, replaced by no one) there are more and more young people lining up to welcome this abuse. They welcome it, right or wrong
The way I look at it is this: did you do an unpaid internship? If so, why? Why would you tolerate being treated like that? Why would you do work and agree to do it NOT for pay? And if your response is well, everyone else did it and I had to do it to compete, then that is reason #1 why nothing changes here.
Of course the system is broken. The kids are monsters. They run amuck and the teacher has zero control of the classroom or the halls. And the parents are no support, not like they were 50 years ago. In 1965, the PTA/PTO actually had parents in it. Now its just teachers.
The only way this changes is absence of labor. If there are NO teachers, then changes will be made and they will be hurtful. They will be painful for a lot of people. It will be the end of careers for a lot of administrators and it will be the end of students having no fear or expulsion. But they don't have to change yet because so many young people willingly sign up for this abuse. Its kind of satomasochistic, but it is what it is.
I can so relate to this. The multitasking necessary in teaching is absurd. Everything seemed to take me so much longer than my colleagues. It was exhausting. I hung in there for 19 years (I had a whole other career before teaching), I just retired this year (actually, I have 2 days left.) I needed the pay check and the retirement, so i hung in there, but it took its toll on my body and my mental health. Thanks for sharing your story. Life shouldn’t be that hard. If it is beating you down you have to change it up.
Right...change it up.
I retired earlier than I had planned and this was due to horrible coworkers. By the month of January 2019, I had gone through a significant amount of stress. I had a good salary, but it was not worth sacrificing my health. That year was my 34th year. I had hoped to have stayed in for maybe 3 more years. As it was I already had more years than the majority of the people around me. I continued to teach the year that my daughter was born. That is a long story- I did not have the opportunity to stay at home. I was married and my husband at the time did not give me the choice of staying home. Needless, to say we are no longer
married. It is good not to be controlled by others.
@@shykat2218 enjoy your retirement, you’ve earned it!
I’m a first year teacher and I just resigned today. My schedule is almost EXACTLY like yours. I’m comforted knowing that working that hard isn’t normal. Thank you for this video ❤️
Snowflakes
It has been remarked upon for years by thinkers such as Bertrand Russell that teachers commonly suffer from nervousness caused by over-work. This situation is caused by having overly large classes, too many classes per day, students who are not suited for academic work but are being forced to attend school anyway, and nearly all pervasive disciplinary problems virtually encouraged by the attitude that the kids must simply be warehoused in school, no matter how unsuited they are for academics. This is exacerbated by the common practice of social promotion as well as gaslighting of teachers by administrators for complaining about poorly behaved students typically directed at new hires who are unjustly accused of being “not good at discipline” which is why the majority of new hires have been quitting now for some years, perhaps as many as twenty years really. After quitting teaching I barbered next to a charter school for five years and would tell disciplinary horror stories from my ghetto high school back in the ‘eighties which some of them found incredible. When the principal at that school, who got fired, asked me what I had taught I told him “idiots”. He said, “you’d fit right in here working for Constellation Schools”.
@@balance3201
I’m watching this in tears…today I decided to withdraw from my student teaching program. I sucked at school growing up and thought I could bring in a different perspective as a teacher. Then I have my first week of student teaching and start to realize how much of the system I would still need to follow (being evaluated, CalTPAs, etc). I also see many traits of ADHD in myself and I would love to find a career that best suits me. I love art and creativity and your video pulled on every single heart string. Wish I could talk to you about this in real life- but thank you so much for this video. I’m going to begin my new journey now 🤍
Oh my goodness. I’m in tears because I feel like I am not alone. You described my life as a teacher. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.
Me too! She described what it can be like very well!
This video was so touching to me. I started teaching a week ago, (sounds stupid that I'm thinking like this so soon) and I don't even have time to sleep. I have five groups, pre-k to third grade, and I'm also a student taking 5 education classes on collage. When I tell people they think I'm overeating. :( Thanks for this video it helped a lot.
I'm so sorry to hear that you're having a tough time. One of the hardest things is that people who don't experience it first hand, really don't understand what you're going through. Thinking of you!!
Your schedule was insane. INSANE. Teaching is just an impossible job.What a terrible shame that teachers feel they're not doing a good enough job when it is impossible to do this job and feel good about it.
Right?!?! Someone else told me that that’s what their schedule was like when they switched from teaching to being an AP. It was impossible for me to keep up with :( thanks for acknowledging that. It means a lot to me!
@@scribbledbysophie6589 i guess its bad in America, even though here in UK we have shortage of teachers aswell
My mentor was from Spain and she had also taught in France and Russia. She left after 3 years in the US and said it was because the US teaching schedule is impossibly gruelling compared to Europe...
Thank you for this. I am doing my first year teaching and I’m already deciding I need to leave to pursue something different. I can’t cope with the job demands AND be successful in any other parts of my life (relationships, community, family, mental health etc). Time to create a career plan that is fit for ME.
I’m also a first year teacher and resigned this week. It’s a lot and totally okay to prioritize YOURSELF
@@elizabethreginaM3262 I am a first year teacher as well and thinking of switching careers. Do you guys know any job that could be good for a former teacher?
I’m so proud of you for putting yourself first. I wish I had had the guts years ago! ♥️
I love your stop action talent.
See! You are still inspiring others, and making a difference. Still teaching!!!
Thank you for sharing this! I totally relate to this. It was a relief to go on parental leave for me and it's giving me the chance to rethink my career choice. Teaching is hard!! I felt so stressed! So good for you for following your heart and thanks for sharing, I'm so glad someone else felt the way I did😊🙏
So hard!! So good that you get to enjoy some time away and reassess! It’s so validating to know you felt similarly 💞
I know exactly what you went through. Since 2012, I’ve taught at three different schools, various elementary grades, and lived the same schedule you described every day. I thought it would get better with time, but it’s only gotten worse. I love teaching, but it doesn’t allow me to be the wife, mother, and person I want to be. Thank you so much for sharing 💜
Kids who should not be allowed to attend school: [1] kids of any age who cannot behave and are continually disrupting [2] Violent kids who assault other kids and staff and actually belong in the juvenile lock-up [3] secondary school aged teenagers who never learned to read above a fourth grade level. All of these categories of kids should simply be removes from the schools. In some high schools half of the kids should definitely be expelled. If they can’t cope with school they belong in: [1] sheltered work shops [2] psychiatric institutions [3] jail [4] trades apprenticeships [5] adult basic literacy tutoring followed by GED if over sixteen. Many teachers would then be laid off since they would be redundant, but at least the schools could then get back to what they were founded to do originally.
Thank you from Canada. Thanks for your honesty about teaching. I am 38 years in, and I really don't know how I survived this far. In teaching, you don't have a life. - Your life - IS -
teaching. I have been through so many of the trends in teaching. - Sometimes, a year or 2 later, they tell you that they are doing things differently. - Too much politics and not enough substance!!!!!
Wow!!! 38 years!!! You are a hero 💕
This really hit home for me. I’m a teacher who is also ADHD. I quit 2 years ago and it was wonderful but I missed teaching. This year I came back and It was extremely hard year for me. I’m teaching at a virtual school next year and I’m hoping it will be better. If not I’ll be doing what’s best for my mental health. I’m so happy for you. ❤️
In my 24th year of teaching and I can attest to the fact that you NEVER, and I mean N.E.V.E.R. get caught up. There’s always crap to do. No matter how hard you work. It doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. It’s always hanging over you like the sword of Damocles. Bless you for getting out while you’re still young and have a beautiful life ahead of you! Enjoy it! ❤
Oh sweet teacher! Thank you for your transparency!!! This helped me feel less alone. I felt as thought something was wrong with me. This fits me to a T.. I put in 3 hours after school ( long after my colleagues left for the day) and I still wouldn’t accomplish what i was supposed has set out to do. And it repeats the next day. It often feels like constant let down and sense of constant discouragement. I have well intentioned coworkers and friends who would tell me to go home. But when I tried to explain my situation would be told to stop being a perfectionist. It can be a very isolating thing especially in a field where there are high stakes.
I don’t have adhd and I feel exactly as you felt, wake up super early to prep, stay after work to prep, plan at home. Every bit of my energy depleted. Every day trying to improve. And if your students are nice, you want to be there for them. If they’re difficult or rude, it’s very hard to stay. Thanks for your video.
This is my first year.... I wanted this more than anything. Since I was little ... I can’t do it anymore , it’s an impossible job. It makes me feel like I can’t do what I always thought I wanted to do/loved because of the amount of work load, behavior, parents, stress, feeling like a failure, etc.
I am so, so sorry to hear this!!! It is so hard... all of what you said really resonates with me. I hope you find meaning in the next adventure you take 💕
It is only impossible if the school is not supportive. Yes, there are many schools that are not supportive. There are schools that are. The key is to locate supportive schools and to stay in those types of schools.
The first year is always the most difficult. But, i do understand the stress. Give it some thought, make a decision and don’t feel badly about it. Keep in mind, there are other options within the field…ESL teacher, Gifted teacher, Remediation tutor, Adult Education. There may be another fit for you that would prevent you from having to deal with all the other responsibilities of a classroom. Good Luck!
This! Everyday THIS!
I understand you so much. I quit 3 years ago too (secondary school). When it comes to my story, part of the staff was kind of helping, part was judging. I couldn't live, I was stressed out every time I heard the bell rang. I felt an enormous sense of guilt and couldn't get things done. I was a mess - mentally and phisically. Now I am teaching in private language school online for adults (mainly individual courses) and I love it.
Hi, what are some private language teaching places online to teach at. This is more of a passion for me than middle school Spanish. Thx :)
Thank you for shedding light on the common mistakes teachers make when seeking jobs outside of education. It's crucial to understand these pitfalls to make a successful transition. Excellent advice!
I taught as a College Professor. Very similar schedule. 4h sleep was often a good day. Most people outside of education just don't believe it. I did it for 6 years, and I am done.
Agreed! People really don’t understand unless they are in the profession or live with someone who is.
The way in which this video is made is just amazing! If this shows anything, it just shows how talented and committed you are. I am so happy for you, so glad that you are now feeling fulfilled in your new job. I wish you all the very best
Thank you so much for such a sweet comment! I really appreciate it :')
I thought I was going crazy. Thank you so much for making me feel a little more sane. Your story could be mine. I've been teaching for 17 years and I love it but it's destroying me and stealing from my family.
I am kinda shaking because of this video! (or maybe it's the coffee too😂) Everything you said, is so real! I am not, nor have ever been a teacher but I certainly have felt the feeling and emotions you describe in this video. Thank you for being you, for your honesty and beautiful work. This is such an important topic, choosing to let go of something we love for the love of our wellbeing because it is so H A R D and complex to come to terms with. I look forward to your videos and they are so much fun to watch! Loads of love from a fellow probable ADHD peep ❤
Thank you for such a thoughtful response to the video!!! And for all your support. You are too kind 🥺💞 what you said is so encouraging and validating. I think the feelings I was feeling can happen in any profession/setting, and it’s so comforting to know you’re not alone.
Good for you. Your health and self worth is important as giving to your community.
Thank you for saying this 🥺💕
I wish you every happiness and what courage to follow your integrity. Well done you are an awesome teacher to everyone around you because of this.
Almost 17 years...I have had enough...I am going to try and give it 3 more years and I plan on leaving the profession. To do what??? I don't know but I will be ok.
You will be ok!!! ❤️ you are more than just teaching. If it is completely wearing you down then you deserve to find something that gives you energy. Wishing you all the luck in the world!
You have no idea how much this video has helped me. Every thought and feeling I've been having for the last 6 months was just validated in the last 8 minutes. As a first year teacher, I feel such an overwhelming sense of guilt for even thinking about leaving the profession. It's nice to know that I'm not alone. Thank you so much for this. Hopefully, I too can find a space where I can cope
Thank you for sharing. I too am someone teaching while managing their ADD. (It was always the hardest during prep and after school--just like your story LOL) I also shared that same feeling of shame....This is the 3rd video I have watched on this topic and it makes me so happy and even more appreciative of my partner for all that she does to help me keep my own sanity.
Truly!!! My partner is the same, don’t know how I would have made it even 3 years in the profession without his support.
I felt this 100%. I am in my first year and this is my 3rd year in Education. I was an IA before and I thought was ready to be a teacher. I love my school and I love my coworkers as well, but it’s not for me. I won’t be returning after the school year and I’m ready to move on from working with kids as well.
I have so much anxiety and such a pit in my stomach all the time that I am just not going to be able to cope with this for another year.
15 years in and this coming new school year will probably be my last. I had been thinking about leaving then Covid hit and what an eye opener of a year it was. It definitely solidified my reasonings for wanting to leave. I agree so much with this video because it has nothing to do with the kids and all to do with the unrealistic demands that are placed on us, and my body and mind can't justify it or do it anymore.
I did 15 years…sounds like a prison sentence, right? I quit last year. My family and I are doing mighty fine without the added stresses brought on by teaching.‼️😮💨🤗😎
After this pandemic, I decided that the schedule which you showed wasn't going to be me anymore. I would stick to that schedule only 2 days a week. Anymore than that and it wasn't healthy for me. Being tired was not the answer. Good for you for taking care of yourself. As for how you functioned in the room; I call that teacher brain. I enjoy ticking all of those random boxes during the day. They say we are so tired because we are constantly making choices during our day. I remind myself that I can't do for them unless I do for me first. Best wishes moving forward. (13 years of 1st grade, no regrets)
Well said Sophie - I'm a lawyer, and I know my supervisor is an ex teacher, and although law is stressful, he thinks it's easier based on the demands in teaching and the fact that on some level, even if you push back on client deadlines as a lawyer, you don't feel like your failing multiple kids! My friend is a teacher, and I can see how stressful she finds it, especially due to all of the planning required and the demands on her day. Teachers are striking in the UK due to their lack of pay compared to the amount of work they put in and their so called "directed time". Those people who have never taught or don't know someone who teaches are less empathetic; but I'm fully empathetic to teachers and the work they do. It's so important you find a job that works for you and is not detrimental to you . Good luck everyone in similar positions! Hope it gets better or you find something that works! I think there will be stress and demands in every profession but you just have to find one that works for you and is not too detrimental to your health.
Much love to all the teachers out there... it is truly a tougher job than people give credit to. The struggles are different at every level whether ECE (me) elementary, middle school, hs.... each level has it's own challenges. I chose ECE because I struggled during student teaching in a K classroom but teaching preschool has it's challenges as well. Next week will be my last week teaching while I persue other passions. I'm 50/50 on whether or not I'll return to the field but for now I need a break!
Thanks girl. You are very sweet. I am a second grade teacher. Boys are talking back to me and being rude. I feel like a failure and spent tonight crying.. starting to think I shouldn't teach. getting up at 6 am..... and stressing about student behaviors all the time. I am 46 and starting to dislike teaching. Not sure what to do.
I have very similar problems under stress. I even started a bath, then walked to the other room to chop onions and nearly flooded the bathroom. I am taking a break from teaching. I had gotten to the point that I couldn't read anymore, I'd lose sense of what I read from one paragraph to the next. Even when looking at papers, I'd look at it and think that this person made a lot of improvement; only for my wife to mark it up and then for me to see all the errors--errors I know I have been able to see before.
Yep. Right on target. I teach at a community college for better wages, but it's still a life suck. Totally takes you in. The industry loves codependent people who will give their whole physical and mental self without thought for one's mental and physical health.
Thanks for sharing your story 😊🙏 I can totally relate!
Thank you so much for watching!
I´m about to start my first teaching job in August and have recently been diagnosed with bipolar 2. I am finally getting the correct treatment. I am really nervous and excited about what's to come. Hope you keep finding happiness in what you love! Good luckk Loved your energy and the scribbles!
You got this! You’re gonna do an amazing job. I’m so excited for you to experience the joys of connecting with kids as a teacher 💕
Girl, I hear you teaching isn’t for everyone. The first 3 years were really hard for me. But I stuck with it, I’ve been teaching for 8 years now. And although it’s gotten easier, I feel like teaching can definitely break you down if you can’t keep up with the demands. If you are new and struggling don’t quit right away. Stick with it for at least 3 years and then leave. Unless your health is compromised then start looking for other options, always put yourself and your health FIRST. ALWAYS! Good luck out there to all my new teachers. #bronxteacherforlife
This is great advice!!!! True, I think if you can stick with it, do! It's a noble profession.
Out of curiosity, why do you say "stick with it for 3 years" before leaving? Any particular reason?
@@RBKNinja although I’m aware that different things work for diff people. A lot of teachers have a hard time with classroom management and that’s something that’s going to take at least two years to really do well. I feel like your third year you usually become more confident in your skills as a teacher. If after 3 years you are still having a hard time, then it’s probably reasonable to walk away. Another reason why is because a lot of employers like to hire people who’ve had at least 3 years experience. Im not saying to stay if you are so miserable, but I feel like it’s good to keep that in mind. I almost left my first year too. But I’m glad that I stuck with it, since for me at least. It got way easier.
As a teacher you have to set boundaries for your mental health. Staying till 5:30 p.m. every day and doing lesson planning at 9 p.m. doesn't cut it. It's important to work smarter and shorter. People who survived a teaching career must learn to take it not quite so seriously, otherwise you're no good to the kids yourself your family or society. However even after learning to cope the job can still suck the life out of you. Some teachers, and good ones learn to get their work done at school the best they can and then leave. Anyone who expects more than that of a teacher should be charged with criminal negligence
Ohh! And forgot to mention, I always felt like I could have done more, or better. I love my profession, my students are wonderful, however the amount of work we did last year was overwhelming!!
Thanks Sophie. I am going through something similar and your words have helped me a lot. God bless u!
Thank you! That’s so good to hear!
Thanks for this! Today I burst out crying trying to figure out why I got into this.
I’m so sorry 😭🥺
I really resonate with this . The job can overwhelm and undermine us so quickly .
Perfect way to put it. Succinct and accurate.
That is exactly how I feel! I did not quit, but continued working most weeks sleeping 6 to 4 hours daily without time to relax for myself
I would leave work at 6:00pm, cook, eat talk to my husband about our day, then wash dishes, and get back to work by 9:00 PM and go to sleep between 2:00 or 3:00 AM go to sleep wake up 6:30AM and get back to work at 8:15 ...Sadly I developed panic attacks, depression, and hypoglucose a type of diabetes. I am still trying to find a balance in my life, and I don't know how to. Next year is my last year before I retire, and I am so worried...
You went to work at 9PM?? 6 to 4 hours?? Do you mean 4to 6 hours?? What do you teach? between 2:00 and 3:00AM, not between 2:00 or 3:00 AM. What you are saying does not make sense. You would go to sleep, and go to sleep again?
@@Michelle-pn9xt she worked from 9 pm to 2 am, and then would sleep from 2-6:30 am...4 hours
I think you mean 4 to 6 hours.
I can completely resonate with this! I'm a first year teacher and this is my dream job ever since I was a child. My colleagues are so supportive and the school that I work at gives me the opportunity to do things I never thought I'd ever have the privilege of doing such as running a Cultural club, costume design team etc. However, the pressure is INSANE cos at the end of the day there are assessments, due dates, and expectations that some students will never meet because they are too far behind. Recently on the news it said the burn out zone is working more than 54 hours... I work 60.
I completely felt this. I’m a first year teacher and this is currently my situation and as a creative I feel like I’m splitting myself and my entire livelihood has disappeared. I love the job in terms of students and purpose but all that this entails is just entirely too much. Simply sleeping or taking time for myself has become a risk.
I have been teaching since the start of this year and think about quitting. It’s killing me and when I am off all I think about it going back and preparing lessons. I will be quitting by the end of this week. I don’t want to do it anymore.
Awww Sophie even though that was happening all of us still loved you very very much 🙂🙂
Aww!! Helen!! You’re so sweet 💞 love you, you all made it so worth it!
@@scribbledbysophie6589 That's really nice. I think some of my students loved me, too. But, others made it impossible for me to stay.
Thank you so much for this video
That means a lot to me! I’m glad it could provide some validation.
Thank you, I needed this video. I teach in queens, NY and I put in so much this year. I have been teaching for 7 years now. 4 years for the DOE, and I have been excessed because of lack of money in my school. I have been thanked for what I have done. But my principal did not have the courtesy to tell me and other teachers that we would not have a placement next year. The whole school got the email.
Sophie, it took so much courage for you to share your story. I appreciate your struggle and I have to admit to myself that the job stress and anxiety caused my anxiety, adhd behaviors and compulsive tendencies to spiral out of control. Did I mention that I have been teaching since 1990? I was fortunate to teach before NCLB and ESSA. I couldn't believe that I was getting paid to do what I loved.... at that time. Then everything changed... :(
Something else changed also. Teachers changed... Where the stakes are the lowest, the politics are the highest. (I will only say this much on that topic.) My hope for you is that you have found a job that fulfills you as much as teaching did. God Bless!
SAME. SO MUCH. SAME.
Even teaching in community college this is SO familiar to me. Even many of the same reasons for me leaving.
Ugh. I wish it weren’t a relatable story.
Girl, you’re telling the truth. I struggle too. God bless you!
I'm so glad I found your video! I have been thinking about leaving teaching for a few months now. I too have a wonderful admin - awesome colleagues - the kids are great - it's just the schedule that is eating me alive.
It's so tough to make the decision when that's the case!!!!! I hope you find your way, whatever happens :)
Great video! That's similar to how my brain works, and I'm realizing that there are certain work environments that are better for me than others. Thank you for sharing!!!!
Thank you Cynthia! So many people have already reached out privately and said that they feel the same way! It’s validating to know that there are people who feel similarly and to start to embrace the way our brains work! 🥰
Thank you so so much for this video. You completely understand everything I feel! ❤️ lots of love xoxo
Want to mention that your video is so beautiful. Thank you again!
Teaching is the hardest thing I've ever done. I teach 6th grade and I'm always tired.
Thanks for your sharing. I feel so related to every word you said. I quit my teaching job last year, and I would never regret it. I don't know why, but it always takes me much longer time to get things done. I'd tried several ways to address to it (e.g., asking for help from others, reading productivity books), but none of them worked for me. People suggested that I could skip some steps in the preparation part, but somehow I just couldn't, and inevitably felt so stuck. Anyway, as a result, I had countless sleepless nights. I felt so exhausted, physically and mentally. I really don't want to experience that again.
What do you do now?
Thanks so much for the video and your story. I’m 10 years into teaching, I’m a team leader, I love the job but it still gets the better of me at times. All the best with your future endeavours.
Thank you!!! I admire you as a veteran teacher! That’s amazing
That intro hit hard 😶
Very captivating video! thank you so much for sharing your story xx
Thank you so much for listening to it! 💞
I feel exactly the same way you do and face the same struggles and I do not have ADD. I think the issues you mention are true for any teacher. Teaching is the hardest most time intensive job. No one understands unless you’ve lived it. It’s impossible to stay on top of everything. I felt this way before the pandemic but after how teachers were treated throughout that…it’s really hard to put one foot in front of the other each day.
I'm a teacher, in the middle of transitioning to another school. I completely understand your workload. My mental health is so important to me and I'm losing control. I make myself a must do and can do To Do list every single day. One for work in the mornings, one for the afternoons before I leave, one when I get home so I keep myself on task, otherwise I get distracted. I have a hard time finishing a task, I forget ALOT, I'm stressed out, I'm tired, I do nothing but work and I want to have other hobbies but never find time for them. I think I'm ADHD too but have found a way to cope with it I guess. I do little goals of a bigger task so I can get it done, otherwise it won't happen. We are over worked, underpaid, and under appreciated, but the kids make it so worth it.
Sophie! You're incredible and inspiring! I don't think we know each other but I suspect we may have some mutual friends. I came across your videos and my heart resonates with you on so many levels. Thanks for this beautiful content 💗
Stephanie! Thank you so, so much. That means so much to me 🥺 💕 seriously
Thank you for this video, I really really identified with the info and sensibilities in it and I thought it was well made with nice aesthetic taste. :) I haven't been "officially diagnosed" but I feel I definitely suffer from executive dysfunction and obsessive compulsiveness (amongst other things) as those terms are generally understood and it makes it so that it almost always feels like I have to work more than 4 times as hard to get less than half as far in comparison to what I either used to be able to do or what I imagine to be more on the "normal" spectrum of things. I actually brought up my decision to resign two weeks ago to my admin but they came off as so comforting, understanding, and supportive, that I decided to "keep the ball rolling" and take it day by day, which still feels harrowing. I had anticipated that this would clearly be the case even if I stayed, which is why I had decided I just wanted to stop and leave and now I'm still in the same limbo I was in 2 weeks ago.
Ultimately, the biggest realistic reason I'm staying is for the money I'm trying to save up for my future, it's a more nuanced take than it might seem on the surface. I feel so debilitated that I can't say with a straight face that I'm "doing it for the kids" or for the "love of my craft," and it would probably be naïve from my part to take those sort of stances anyways. My health comes first for me and life is hard right now. I feel I definitely won't be able to ever try to be a full time teacher if my version of "normal" doesn't change for the better.
Finally, one word of advice. I'd recommend getting ultra informed about how mental health/illness and mental treatment is generally conceptualized and treated in the mainstream. My lived experiences and what I've read and seen have resulted in skeptic and critical views from myself in regards to psychiatry and psychiatric medication, to say the least. This is one reason it's hard for me to stomach trying stimulants/ADHD psychotropic medication. There's a universe of horror behind psychiatry and I myself count myself lucky and blessed to have survived the side effects of an SSRI I tried precisely because of all of the things I deal with. So just be careful and aim for informed consent before trying anything.
Best,
Me
I had been a teacher for 24 years. Now i am leaving this profession.
These are the same reasons I left nursing. My hair hair didn’t fall iut but it stopped growing for one year. I loved the job, but I just couldn’t cope with the demands. I am so much happier now and am a better (fill in the blank here). Life is too short.
Sad to hear that you had the same experience! I am sure nursing is on a whole other level of stressful, too!!
Thank you for your honest and open video. I too am facing the difficult decision of leaving the profession I love, but that often seems overwhelming. Tough call, but at some point, I know I have to take care of myself too.
To be a good teacher u have to eat sleep and breathe teaching and when u have a family that is almost impossible which is why I had to give it up.
A LETTER TO SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND POLICY MAKERS.
To make the school teaching profession more productive and attractive please do the following:
1. The teaching load should not exceed 1000 minutes per week. That means 5 periods of 40 minutes duration per day. The rest of the time is for lesson planning, lesson preparation, marking assignments and tests etc. The total time including this should never exceed 8 hours per day.
2. Teaching should not be treated as a factory job. It is an intellectual job. So work life balance is very much essential.
3. Avoid unnecessary paperworks and data collection. This will distract teachers from their main task and focus area. Most of these types of works were found useless and will decrease the productivity of teachers. Teachers are there to teach and not for doing clerical jobs.
4. Avoid daily detailed lesson plans etc. Those are time consuming. They are alrady trained for that during their teachers training.
5. Avoid micromanagement. Trust the teachers.
6. Pay well at par with other professionals. Quality comes with money.
7. Stop "pleaseing the parents" attitude. They are not educationalists. Stick to the school policy.
8. Unnecessary parental involvement should be discouraged at any cost.
9. When a new system is introduced in a school, do not keep the old system.
10. Most of the lawmakers and policy makers in the education sector were never been teachers. This should not be allowed. Include experts in education at the law making and planning stage. This is a must.
This is RUclips. Contact someone who an actually do something about these things.
I’m a 5th year teacher watching this from my hospital bed. I think it is time to walk away.
Oh no.. I'm so sorry to hear this :(
@@scribbledbysophie6589 I stepped out on faith and resigned. It was not easy but things are getting better for me each day.
Amazing Sophie!!! Did I mention already that I love your videos and I love the way you communicate through them. You are a wonderful teacher and I hope you could get back there doing what you love best, only not with that schedule!!! I think here the school must have provided with one or two assistants to do the practical job (hey I would have offered to sharpen the pensils, or anything else needed) in order to let you focus on the important things. But until then I am sure you took the right decision: with a clear mind and with the support of your wonderful family I am sure you will come up with something that makes you feel happy and function much better. Sending you big hugs
Thank you so much Gloria!! That is so kind and considerate! It’s true, there needs to be some innovation in education to lighten the load on teachers, but like you said, I feel confident I made the right choice for now 🥰💕 lots of love!
I have ADHD and I was shaking my head up and down the whole time I was watching your video.
Hey there I’m a para and eve though I’m not a licensed teacher I still connect with much of what you shared. Thank You for You vulnerability 🙏🏾
Thank you for listening to my story 🙏🏽
A licensed teacher?? A para is not a teacher.
My First priority is sleeping 💤. 5 hours a days is largely not enough sleep per day thus the lack of energy, irritability and not being able to cope. I made the same mistake when I was your age now I’m a teacher and I’ve learned to set limit and to stick with my number one priority : 7-8 hours of sleep per day no matter what, job finished or unfinished. We can also work on our organization and find tricks that can spare time. Also, letting go from perfectionism and the judgement of judgmental people is something I still work on.
I am you, but I have a TBI. I walked out early Friday. The last straw was students piling on about my blind eye. It wanders, and students not in my classes felt free to insult and demean me because I look ‘different’. I have two years before I can take my full retirement (gotta love IPERS). I would quit this year, but I’m special ed. I have three students who would be negatively impacted if I left before they transitioned to the high school next year.
Can I figure out how to accommodate/modify enough so that I’m not late with progress monitoring, forgetting to call parents, reports, figuring out how to use System 44, etc? I don’t know. My health is crap, I’m camping near the town to cut down the hour drive so I have a little more time to do stuff. My kids want me to quit, but my retirement pension would be less and I feel guilty leaving my colleagues. And I am ashamed that I’m not good enough.
I am SO sorry to hear all of this... especially the part about kids insulting you. No one should have to endure that. Hoping you find a solution that works for you! I honestly don’t wish this type of stress on anyone!
Hi Diane. Thank you for your transparency and sharing with us all. I’ve seen students (& some teachers) really put teachers down. Say horrible things, make fun of them, straight disrespect. I’ve been disrespected before. I just wanted to tell you that you ARE good AND enough, because you were created to be. Any one that has a heart for children and even more so-to teach the very essence of a society, is both divine & Love itself. Educators are sacrificing themselves, their needs, dreams, philosophies- for teaching. It’s okay to be fully invested in yourself now, your health. To not receive the emotional abuse behind a condition you have no control over. Its okay. 🤍
@@kokobunni5897 Thank you for the kind and supportive comment. I ended up resigning before Christmas. Broke down right before Halloween, tried to re-enter the classroom after a break…did not work. I’m in therapy. We’ll see where life take me.
This is absolute truth! I am in that cycle and am trying to get out.
ADHD is rough. I’m 28 and it takes a toll on me especially when it comes to work stuff.
It is a blessing and curse haha. It can be my strength in some scenarios, but my downfall in others!
With the overwhelming workload of teachers, a long commute to and from work can break you!
Teaching is so difficult. I quit my teaching job two days ago. Couldn't handle the behavioural problems that the kids had
Wow. Totally relate. I quit my teaching job last week. And really struggling with the emotions of it all
Oh my heart hurts. I'm in grad school for early childhood education. I haven't even begun to teach, and I'm looking these things up... I might need to drop out. :( Sad
What are you doing now, instead?
Give it a go!! Don’t quit because of my experience, you might find it suits you really well?! You can always try one year and see. I’m working as a freelance artist now
Girl, everyone will tell you, go for it, at least try it. Honestly, don’t. It’s a trap and a half. lol seriously so stressful
wow... i have severe ADHD and have been considering teaching. i stumbled on this video and to hear another young woman talk about how her ADHD affects teaching, really hit me. I've always thought that because of my ADHD, i'd be a fun teacher.... but all the things you revealed and impulses and forgetfulness and the distractions............. man... idk if teaching is what I wanna do anymore now. damn. i feel like reality just hit me, but thanks. i feel like it was fate for me to find this video. Oh well.... now what do I do lol...
I will say that it is different for everyone, and it depends on what kind of school you work at! Some may be more accommodating, so don't give up just based on this!
Thanks for your video, I resonate with a lot of this. I just started RUclips with hopes of going in a different direction with teaching!
I hope youtube takes off! fingers crossed for both of us :)
I've been having a wide variety of feelings about contemplating reducing to 0.8 Part time. This video has definitely helped my feel better about that option.
I’m right with you!
OK to quit! We need not identify ourselves wholly by this job...nor work 60-70 hour weeks for low, low bargain-basement pay. I worked as a teacher--quit twice (long story)--and stepping out of a school district was the best decision both times, even though I am very good at it. I enjoy it, but the bottom line reasons boiled down to 1) no time in my life to do anything related to family or down time 2) ridiculously low pay 3) increasing tasks piled on that were not related to the kids or curriculum/methodology...just district projects that had no value to my work.
Years ago, teachers used to only teach. Now they are doing everything. Typing, instantly replying to parents messages, extracurricular activities, supervise, state testing preparation and state testing... and last but not least: after school clubs and weekend support. Nope I am not a teacher now and never let myself to be indulged in that situation thank God, but I am commenting as a parent. School teachers send us messages on the school app at 9 pm 🤔 or later which makes you wonder "Do teachers ever rest or have a personal life? What the heck is that? I am happy for you! There are always other ways for people to make income without being slaves of their job. I am saying that and I know there would be a great loss and consequences for teachers shortage for my own children, but it should never be at the teachers' health and wellbeing. May be this will draw attention to what went and still going wrong to do the reforms needed to the whole educational system. Someone has to say enough is enough. All the best!
Is that why? It’s good to know you had a hard time you should’ve told us I think we could have helped you! I’m glad that you seem ok right now though!
omg this make or break thing is exactly why I quit teaching!
Wow, you are the first person I can relate to. I have a VERY SIMILAR personality.
I am sooo glad I can give some validation to what you're going through! ❤
@@scribbledbysophie6589 Yes, especially when you stated that it took you hours to plan. It takes me hours to plan because of the way that I think. I cannot concentrate on just one thing. I admire those people who are able to get the job done in 30 minutes. Also, it is hard to keep up. You want to do the best, but you don't have the time. My schedule is similar. My work doesn't end at 3:00 p.m. I take the "planning" part home since I am a Spanish teacher and I need to create my own curriculum. I am currently thinking of other career options with my degree.
This video was amazing 💞
Thank you so, so much!!! 🥰
25 years teaching
About to quit
I can’t cope teaching 50 third graders
Teaching so many kids
With more work being demanded from our district
Regular school visits where you are told you are NOT doing enough
Or you are not doing something correctly
I love teaching
But it has become abusive
And I have realized I’m a nobody to this system
I can be easily replaced
🙏🏼
You are not quitting. You are retiring.
A late in life diagnosis can be a game changer but you don’t need the full neuropsych if you can’t get coverage, a psych can do an adhd assessment and that is less than an hr vs the full 8-9 hours so it should cost far less. I also quit after 11 years but I’m very happy to be teaching studio art to adults now. K-12 Teaching has changed drastically and it is very difficult to see.
Thanks for this info!! If I ever need a diagnosis or medication in the future I'll likely take this route. Luckily I'm working for myself at the moment and am able to cope in other ways. I'm glad to hear you found a role that suits you! That sounds so fun!!! :)