The Great Unicorn Chase: Finding Work-Life Balance as a Teacher
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that I know we’ve all struggled with at some point: work-life balance. If you’ve ever been the first car in the parking lot or the last to leave, this one’s for you. I’ll be sharing my personal journey, what I’ve learned about setting boundaries, and why taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
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My Journey with Work-Life Balance:
- Why I used to think my value as a teacher was measured by how much time I spent at school.
- How becoming a mom (and managing a house full of toddler-like pets) completely changed my perspective on boundaries.
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What Burnout Costs Us:
- How constantly running on empty took a toll on my mental health, physical well-being, and relationships.
- Why prioritizing myself helps me show up better for my students, my family, and, most importantly, me.
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The Power of Boundaries:
- What boundaries look like in my life—from deleting work email off my phone to saying "no" without guilt.
- How I learned to stop trying to do everything and focus on what truly matters.
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Why Slowing Down Isn’t a Weakness:
- How slowing down has made me a better teacher—and a better version of myself.
- Why it’s okay to choose progress over perfection.
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Finding Your Balance:
- How I’ve learned that work-life balance looks different for everyone.
- Why it’s about figuring out what works for you and not comparing yourself to others.
Challenge of the Week:
This week, I’m challenging you to pick one thing you can do to set a boundary.
- Maybe it’s leaving school at a set time.
- Maybe it’s not grading every paper in one night.
- Or maybe it’s letting yourself rest without guilt.
Whatever it is, take that step—it’s worth it.
Memorable Quotes from This Episode:
- "If I died tomorrow, my job would replace me in a heartbeat. But my family? They’d have a hole in their hearts no one else could fill."
- "Slowing down doesn’t make me less impactful. It makes me more sustainable."
- "I’m not just a teacher. I’m a whole human being with a life outside of school, and I deserve to enjoy it."
Episode Resources & Links:
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Share This Episode:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow teacher who might need a reminder that they matter too. Let’s support each other in building sustainable, fulfilling lives.