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is it ever hard to manage your personal life

like does being a teacher ever affect you personal life like the teachers I know don't really have a life outside of school

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Melody’s Answer

Honestly Laura, this depends on the person. Mary's answer states well how the person sees themselves in education, can really speak to their handling of balancing work and life. However, there is a large commitment in education. Many educators will state the time commitment outside of the normal school day. Schools are meant to be apart of the student's community, support and relationship building opportunities. There is the social/community building items such as coaching, clubs, performances, etc. Each educator has to look at what works and will allow them to have balance. I have had to really be honest with myself about my commitments, my family and also personal time for reflecting and refreshing.
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Frances’s Answer

Laura,
This is a great question. I would say it depends on the type of person you are and what your priorities are. This could apply to many situations such as my husband being in the military. We are both very dedicated and sacrifice the amount of time, whatever that may be, to ensure we are providing the best care possible to those under our care. However, we also make our family a priority. Nursing is such an amazing career that absolutely fulfills me. I get to take care of amazing patients and teach outstanding nursing students so they can continue the legacy of giving the best care possible. A big part of being successful in various aspect of one's life is time management and prioritization. Make time for those that matter and include yourself. That is probably the hardest part. There is a long list of others that need my attention and I usually place myself at the bottom. I tell others that if they do not care for themselves they will not be around to take care of others; however, that is hard advice to follow. Remember to tell those people in your life that they matter and then be sure to work hard, but also take breaks and check in on your loved ones. Your mental and emotional health are as important as your physical health. If you are determined you can make it happen, so don't give up. I know you can have it all! The sky is the limit. I wish you the best of luck.
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Mindy’s Answer

I agree with Mary and Melody, to teach well often requires time outside of usual work hours, but teaching has been incredibly rewarding and, to me, is worth the added time. That said, to make room in your life for a personal and family life is essential to happiness. There are times when your family needs more of your time and presence (and you of theirs) and times when you can easily devote more time to your career - like when a partner is away or children are school age and doing well. The choice is yours and requires you to choose wisely to make it all work. Mentors can be highly valuable in helping a person sort through issues around work/life balance as can friends and family members.
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Mary’s Answer

For me, teaching was a career, not just a paycheck. I was a committed educator for over 30 years, was married and raised a family. I worked long days, sometimes in the evening at home, and weekends. Every teacher is different, but I knew I couldn't do my job within an 8 hour day, even though I managed my time well. At times it was all-consuming, especially at the end of terms. I taught 5th grade. I do know teachers who did work to the clock, and to them it was normal. They didn't do a lot of things I did...creative lessons that took time & effort to plan, classroom management systems that needed follow through, etc. The time you put in this job will ultimately be your choice. I LOVED my job and gave it my all.
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Bhagway’s Answer

My daughter is a teacher in Middle School. Based on what I have observed in her, it may be difficult to manage personal life as a teacher but if you are passionate about teaching and your students, putting up with unpleasantness is worth the satisfaction reward . Reward is internal happiness. You will feel that you have contributed to shape someone’s life.
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Gloria’s Answer

Hi Laura,

I think that there are times when any job that you have will impact your personal life. I was a teacher at the corporate level, so my experience is from that standpoint. I would have a day of 8 hour classes with no time to do administrative work until after the class was over. That can make you late for events. I often had to prepare for training on a weekend ahead of a class. I also had the additional challenge of traveling on the weekends in order to train during the week. All of those things can happen on a regular basis when you are a trainer. Some of my friends and family are teachers as well, where the hours are long. School teachers sometimes have some additional duties at schools, supporting various clubs, mentoring students, talking with parents, etc.

Your challenge in any work - life balance situation is this - when do you need to say no? You are not going to be able to do everything. There are some times when you need to work long days, but if it is every day and you miss a lot of events, you may need to consider what needs to change. I have changed jobs when training workload took over my life. I know some teachers who changed schools to find a better fit.

Gloria
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