It’s Ok to Change Your Path

As a former teacher, I understand the challenges and pressures that educators face on a daily basis. In this blog, I aim to shed light on the often unseen struggles of teachers and offer a message of support, compassion, and grace. By sharing my personal journey of leaving the teaching profession to pursue coaching, I hope to increase awareness around the mental health issues prevalent in the teaching profession and inspire a culture of understanding and empathy.

I always dreamed of being a teacher, I studied for my career earning a bachelor’s and a master's, and I poured my heart and soul into my work, striving to make a difference in the lives of my students. However, despite my best efforts, I found myself overwhelmed by the demands of the job, feeling undervalued, unappreciated and overall unhappy with where I was. The constant pressure to meet standards and expectations took a toll on my mental health and well-being. Eventually, I reached a breaking point and made the difficult decision to leave teaching behind.

It took me years of struggling, insecurities, dissatisfaction, therapy and holistic practices to find out that my calling wasn’t teaching but nurturing people and while it may be related, it’s not the same. That’s why I became a coach and since then, even through a hell of a lot of ups and downs, I’m still choosing this path. 

The teaching profession is often romanticized and idealized, with the focus placed on the impact teachers have on students' lives and getting summers off. However, behind the scenes, many educators are grappling with burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression. The relentless workload, lack of resources, and emotional labor involved in teaching can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and despair. Teachers are expected to be superheroes, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities without adequate support or recognition and while many go through it swinging delicately as if they were dancing a waltz, many compromise themselves for the sake of the mission. — Click here to find 5 Master Keys to improve your mindset!

It is my hope that by sharing my story and acknowledging the hidden struggles of teachers, we can begin to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the education sector. Educators deserve compassion, understanding, and grace as they navigate the challenges of their profession. It is essential to prioritize self-care, seek help when needed, and create a culture of support within schools and communities. Please know that it’s ok to take a different road, to start again after years of working, and to choose yourself above everything.

If you work with teachers, I want to share some tips that could help you support them through tough times:

1. Practice Active Listening: Take the time to listen to teachers' concerns and validate their experiences. Offer a safe space for them to express their emotions without judgment.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage teachers to prioritize self-care and set boundaries between work and personal life. Provide resources for stress management and mental health support.

3. Foster a Culture of Support: Create opportunities for teachers to willingly connect with colleagues, share experiences, and seek guidance from mentors. Build a sense of community and camaraderie within the school environment. Sure, they’re workers but they’re also humans performing a super demanding job.

4. Advocate for Mental Health Awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of mental health in the teaching profession. Organize workshops, training sessions, and resources focused on well-being and -why not- holistic healing.

5. Seek Professional Help: Encourage teachers to seek professional support from therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals if they are struggling with their mental health, burnout confusion, etcetera. Normalize help-seeking behavior and reduce the stigma associated with requiring support.

As a former teacher who experienced firsthand the challenges of the profession, I am passionate about raising awareness about mental health in professional environments and promoting compassion and grace within the workplace. It is crucial to recognize the unseen struggles of educators and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive.

By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can create a more sustainable, comprehensive and fulfilling environment for teachers to excel in their roles. Remember that teachers are not just educators; they are human beings deserving of kindness, respect, and care. Let us stand together in solidarity with our unseen teachers and offer them the compassion and grace they so rightfully deserve.

If you’re a teacher reconsidering your choices and want some guidance on this stage of your life, please reach out to me. You’re not alone!