October 29, 2022
As we reach the end of the month, I am seeing the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
October is a rough month in the education world, and probably in a lot of modern life if you have school age kids in your life.
We are nearing the end of first quarter, the newness is gone and the honeymoon phase with kids that didn’t know us is wearing off fast. We are now adding in the start of evaluations and professional learning communities as well as the start of testing, I’m all its various forms.
It’s getting stressful.
We go home exhausted and barely able to function, let alone handle our home responsibilities.
It’s the start of fall and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday marathon of celebrations and gatherings.
Oh, and did I mention fundraisers, sports and performances are also knocking on our doorstep.
If you are friends with any educators, you’ve seen social media posts or had conversations about how they are just tired.
Sadly, this happens every year, mostly because, just like with New Year’s Resolutions in January, we set loftier goals than we can achieve and we take on too much all at once. And then we start sacrificing things.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to stay this way.
For now, start by making a list of your non-negotiable priorities. Then, make a list of your like to do’s. Finally, list everything else that didn’t make either of these lists. From these three, you can see why your exhausted and reevaluate, then eliminate.
Sure, someone’s feelings may be hurt, but you cannot be responsible for how they feel, only how you act, so handle it respectfully.
For next year, make yourself a priority list and a budget, specifically a time budget. How much time can you afford to give to nonnegotiable tasks? if fundraisers and extracurricular activities are part of your life, make a financial budget, too. These will both help you avoid overspending and exhausting yourself out next year.
Truth be told, this may always be a part of life for educators since there are so many unknown variables every year. But having a plan will help you get through it a bit quicker and get on with enjoying the season.
Like or comment below, and share with others to support the blog. I post weekly about teaching, traveling and family. Until next time, you can find me on Tiktok @sonya.BOMSquadleader or our adventures at BarnesOnMove.com, Facebook & TikTok at @BarnesOnMove