A Teacher's Journey: From Passion to Exhaustion
I began my teaching career in 2007 at an urban Portland high school. Despite the challenges of working with low-income students and the tragic losses we endured, I found immense joy in my role. I was resilient and dedicated, navigating the emotional toll and heavy workload.
However, becoming a parent in 2013 shifted my perspective. The demands of teaching became increasingly burdensome, but my passion for the profession persisted. I believed that a teacher who didn't love their job could cause significant harm to students.
The pandemic of 2020 marked a turning point. The transition to remote learning was challenging, and the isolation and lack of student engagement diminished my enthusiasm. My physical health also deteriorated, leading to debilitating migraines.
Adding to the strain, the tragic loss of a former student in 2021 deeply impacted me. The emotional weight of the pandemic, coupled with the challenges of returning to in-person teaching, pushed me to my limits.
I sought relief in medication and herbal supplements, which helped alleviate the migraines during breaks. However, the challenges of the post-pandemic classroom persisted. Students were traumatized, unsocialized, and struggling academically and emotionally. Teachers, too, were overwhelmed and underprepared to address these complex issues.
The 2022-2023 school year proved to be the most demanding of my career. A particularly challenging class of ninth graders pushed me to my breaking point. I felt drained, both emotionally and physically.
In 2024, I made the difficult decision to resign. I transitioned to a part-time role, but the lack of fulfillment and the ongoing stress led me to seek a change.
I accepted a position at Costco, a significant pay cut but a much-needed respite. The physical demands of the job are exhausting, but the mental and emotional relief is immeasurable. I no longer carry the weight of students' well-being, and I've regained a sense of peace.
While I may return to teaching in the future, for now, I prioritize healing and rejuvenation. I encourage anyone struggling with similar challenges to seek support and prioritize their mental and physical health.