After almost a decade in teaching, I’ve seen how this incredible profession can also leave passionate educators feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure of who they are beyond their classrooms.
“I hear them say, ‘I’m just a teacher… what else could I even do?'”
This job can be totally amazing, but it can also leave us feeling trapped.
If that’s resonating with you, you aren’t alone. In fact, that used to be me.
Every thought, action, hobby, and interest revolved around my classroom. And as I grew professionally and personally, I started to feel this identity crisis.
I let teaching define every ounce of who I was.
Now that I’ve been able to escape that identity trap, I’m here to share with you that it’s okay to shift your perspective. In fact, I believe it’s one of the best things we can do as teachers – especially if we want or need to stay in the classroom for whatever reason.
Shifting your mindset from “I’m just a teacher” to “I’m a teacher, and so much more” can have a profound impact on the burnout crisis this profession is facing today.
So, how can we make that shift? Let me help you see it differently.
1. You are not defined solely by your job.
No matter how you’ve been conditioned, you are not defined by your job. Yes, teaching is a calling. Not everyone can do what we teachers can do… AND this is not all of who you are. Say it to yourself – “I am more than just a teacher.”
2. Embrace your hobbies, interests, and passions.
Not the ones that include creating bulletin boards, cutting out letters on a Cricut, or walking around Home Goods for your next classroom decor piece. I’m talking REAL interests and hobbies.
Whether it’s gardening, painting, hiking, or learning photography, rediscover the things that make you feel alive outside of school.
3. Explore what fulfills you outside of teaching.
What do you love to do in the summer time when teaching is off of your plate? Lean into those activities. What dreams do you have sitting on your heart? Want to create resources, learn to cook, or start your own side business that can turn a passion project into profit? LEAN INTO IT!!!
Teachers all over this world have the capability to serve others with their skillsets and knowledge base – all it takes is a little belief in yourself and a mindset shift that YOU CAN DO IT.
Andddd, you can do it WELL.
This is your sign.
I want to end this post by reassuring you that you are allowed to explore who you are beyond your job.
Teaching is what you do. It’s not all of who you are.
You don’t need anyone’s permission to explore who you are beyond teaching, but in case you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it. Believe in something more for yourself.
I share all about this on my Instagram plus have a newsletter giving you weekly doses of identity shifts right to your inbox.
Come along with me on your new journey to discovering a life beyond “just a teacher.”