Feeling frazzled and fed up? This post is for you.

Many teachers and administrators harbor feelings of shame around feeling tired and frustrated because it makes us feel weak or worry that things will fall apart if we take a much-needed break. Months can go by before we notice cynicism and detachment. Burnout is taking its toll, and we are on the cusp of bowing out of education all together. 

Wait—the kids need you and on a good day, you love what you do!

So, what do we do about burnout?

Step 1: Choose Good Enough > Perfectionism

It is always great to be the Rockstar at work, but don’t do it at the cost of your health and happiness. Abandon perfectionism and embrace “good enough.” Managing expectations with colleagues is critical to bouncing back from burnout. 

Step 2: Ask For Help and Take a Break

Vulnerability can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially in high-achieving environments, but there is no shame in asking for help, delegating work if possible, and taking a break. 

Step 3: Embrace Boundaries and Balance

Boundaries, in this case, can look like not checking your emails after 6 p.m. or choosing one day of the week when no work is touched. Where possible, use your weekends and time off to rejuvenate unapologetically. 

Step 4: Shift Your Perspective

What parts of the job can be reshaped to keep your focus and joy? Assess what is negotiable before making drastic decisions about your career in education. Are you sure that things are as rigid as they seem? Finding ways to keep your work aligned to your values, even in small ways, can help you maintain the joy that brought you into this profession. 

The excellent news is burnout does not need to be a death sentence to a fulfilling career. Being firm about your boundaries, figuring out the stressor(s), and making incremental changes will put you back on track to leading a balanced and fulfilling life.