For many teachers, the end of the school year brings a pause; a breath between the busyness of school life and the quiet of summer. Truth be told, it used to take me at least two weeks just to quieten my mind and to start feeling normal again!
For some, the pause also brings a deeper question to the surface: What should I do with my life? This question often follows a shift felt at some point in the year just gone; a restlessness, a sense that something isn’t quite right anymore, or a growing awareness that something else may be calling.
If any of this resonates with you, it’s an indication that you are already on the path of exploring what might come next. That doesn’t mean you’ve made any decisions. You might not even know what ‘something else’ looks like yet. But you do know there’s a quiet voice inside saying, ‘there might be a better way’.
To be clear, that ‘better way’ doesn’t have to mean leaving education. It could involve pursuing a promotion, moving to a new school, staying where you are but with renewed focus. For some people, it could mean a complete career change.
Teachers are often so focused on supporting others that we forget to give ourselves credit for noticing when something no longer feels right. It’s often only in the stillness of summer that we can hear that inner nudge calling for change.
The voice is rarely accompanied by certainty. On the contrary it can bring confusion and an urge to explore. Rest assured, beyond the confusion is the beginning of something new and meaningful.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Not knowing the next step doesn’t mean you’re lost; it simply means you are searching, which is a courageous place to be. It takes honesty and courage to admit it’s time to reflect and consider your options.
You are allowed to grow beyond your current role. You are allowed to evolve. That might mean redefining your role within the classroom, exploring leadership, stepping into a different type of support role, or making a transition out of teaching altogether. You don’t need to apologise for seeking a better fit and you don’t need to rush.
Start where you are. Reflect on what parts of your role still energise you, and what parts leave you feeling depleted. Pay attention to the moments that excite you and those that don’t. Get curious about what’s out there.
Even if you don’t have a clear plan yet, the fact that you’re reading this shows something important: you’re not stuck. By acknowledging that you’re ready to explore what’s next, you’ve already taken the first step. From here, the path ahead may not be linear; but it is absolutely yours to define.
Photo Credit: iuliu illes on Unsplash