Teaching on a Prayer

Being a teacher these days is more than just a job; it’s practically an extreme sport. Long hours? Check. High expectations? Double-check. The need for a side hustle just to keep up with life? Sometimes the biggest need for a CHECK!

Well, let’s just say we’re all “Living on a Prayer” some days. Yet, somehow, we manage to keep going with our heads held high and our coffee mugs full. Here’s a glimpse into the highs, lows, and “you’ve got to be kidding me” moments of teaching—and a few ideas on how to make it through with your sanity intact.

The Long Hours: The Classroom and Beyond

Let’s start with what most people don’t realize about teaching: the hours. Yes, the school day is officially over by 3:30 or 4:00, but that’s just the beginning. We spend countless hours at home grading papers, planning lessons, and creating materials that go above and beyond to meet the needs of each student. It’s not uncommon to find teachers in their PJs, marking assignments or prepping materials in the glow of their computer screens long after the rest of the world has clocked out.

Teacher Tip: Set a time boundary for grading and planning each day or week. If it’s not done by a certain time, let it go and pick it up the next day. Establishing these limits can make a world of difference in keeping that work-life balance somewhat intact.

The Financial Squeeze: Why Teachers Often Have a Side Hustle

Here’s a hard truth: many teachers need extra income to make ends meet. Whether it’s tutoring, selling lesson plans online, or working a part-time gig, it’s almost a rite of passage in our profession. While other careers might come with regular bonuses or a solid overtime structure, we make do with what we have—and we get creative.

Teacher Tip: Find something you genuinely enjoy for your side hustle. If you’re a master of organization, consider selling your classroom materials online. If you love to write, freelance blogging or content writing can offer flexibility and a little extra cash.

The Emotional Toll: Staying Positive in a Demanding Job

It’s no secret that teaching can be emotionally draining. We invest so much of ourselves into our students’ lives that it’s easy to end up feeling depleted. Burnout is real, and it’s critical to find ways to recharge. Developing a habit of regular self-care, even in small doses, can have a lasting impact on both your health and your outlook.

Teacher Tip: Carve out “me time” to unwind. Whether it’s an exercise class, a good book, or a quiet coffee shop where you can just sit and think, make space for activities that refuel you. And don’t hesitate to lean on your fellow teachers. We’re all in this together, after all, and a little support goes a long way.

Small Victories: Remembering Why We Teach

At the end of the day, teaching is tough, but we do it because we believe in what we’re doing. Remember that one student who had a breakthrough or that moment when your class truly “got it”? These small victories are often what carry us through the toughest days. Hang onto those moments like gold, because they are.

In the words of the 90s classic, teaching is a bit like “Living on a Prayer”—we’re all halfway there, but we’re doing it together. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it. So let’s lift our coffee cups high and toast to making it through one day, one week, and one school year at a time.

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