Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I just thought up five years. I've talked to some people and that's when they say it happens/

[Roger]

Burn out?
It's a matter of motivation just like studying is a matter of motivation for students - if it isn't your cup of tea, it's going to drain you sooner rather than later.
When it's a question of MONEY then you burn out quickly as you learn of so many better-paying opportunities elsewhere or in other lines of work.
Those who are not in it for the money alone (but the money is a welcome ingredient), they last longer provided they reap the respect they deserve - which is not a given.
Politics has a powerful grip on teaching, and that puts an effective stop to many a dedicated and idealistic teacher's enthusiasm!

[october]

I agree that if your burnt out after a few years then perhaprs you have chosen the wrong proffession or the wrong place of work or maybe you are just that type of person that will feel burnt out at any place of work??
There are days that i am burnt out (like yesterday when i got kicked and scratched by a 6th grade crazy kid) but i truly love teaching English so what's a few bad days a year?
Lucky me, i am Jewish and we have lots of holidays!!
For those who are burnt out - you owe it to yourself as well as you students to give yourself a break and figure out if this is what you want to do, and if it is, always remind yourself why you started in the first place.. hey, I sound like a marriage counsler, don't I???

[Gordon]

I agree with many of you. If you teach primarily for the money, you burn out faster because you can never make enough and someone always has a better gig. You are always comparing yourself to others adn you're always on the prowl for something better. Besides, you're nuts if you're in this profession for the money. Get an MBA.

[Capergirl]

[fat_chris]

[nomadder]

My perfect non-burnout job would have no more than 18 teaching hours per week with at least 3 months vacation and public holidays. Part of those 3 months would have to be in a big chunk say 6 weeks or more. I haven't found this yet.

[fat_chris]

Nomadder,

What you describe sounds like a college or university position.

In Defense of TEFL and Regarding Burn-out:

When thinking about burn-out in TEFL, I quickly consider the alternative: working 40+ hours/week in a cubicle in front of a computer with two weeks of vacation a year. In my mind, such a situation doesn't lead to burn-out, it quickly nosedives into a crash-and-burn fiasco.

TEFL at least gives me that summer break to re-charge my batteries and lets me exhibit some creativity in the classroom. In my past TEFL jobs I was told what needed to be done, but I generally had free reign in determining how it was going to be done. I can live with that.

I also like it that I can sign a one year contract and then renew it or leave. The ability to somewhat "free lance" is greater than in most professions. I look at some of the sad sacks here in the US who are practically married to their jobs and wouldn't think of moving on, even though they are single and have few financial commitments. They stay in the same dreary job, but don't have the cojones to try something else or move elsewhere.

It seems TEFL can afford a lifestyle of mobility, which is necessary for me. I really don't think I can spend more than three years in one place (in my adult life, I haven't yet). Once again, change is good: always keeping it fresh by having the opportunity to move around and experience new job situations. I like TEFL because the burn-out can always be minimized by going to a different country, teaching different courses, teaching different age groups, etc.

I believe that burn-out can be avoided in TEFL, but one has to really enjoy working in the field. Gaining solid credentials is also necessary in order to get more favorable working conditions.

[nomadder]

Well put!!!

[denise]