Burn-Out

Tonight I received an e-mail from a friend talking about burn-out.  The e-mail prompted me to think pretty intensely about burn-out in previous jobs.  It then caused me to re-evaluate how I'm treating myself now.

I thought about the things I had done to prevent burn-out before (specifically in response to feeling less-than-inspired in one of my previous jobs).  The first thing I did was recommit to being the best music educator I could be.  My entire focus became my students and their musical education.  I had less time for administrative pettiness, complaining parents, and pointless paperwork.  I did not let negativity from others permeate my home life- I did not carry it around with me.  I made it clear I was there to be the best educator I could be- to give the students the best musical education in the safest, most encouraging environment possible.  I quickly learned that grumpy administration and complaining parents could not argue with a teacher who was focused solely on what was best for that student/their child.  And yes, I brought other work to professional development.  I paid attention to the meetings and I asked questions that were relevant to me, but I was not going to waste 8 hours of my day talking about paperwork or trying to be convinced that standards should apply to all subjects. Of course standards should be applied!  So let me work on being better at teaching so my students can achieve higher levels.

I also gave myself time to do things outside of work.  I kept work at work.  Outside of work, I explored the area, spent time with friends, and planned vacations.

And it worked!

But that leads me to now.  I need to recommit to a few things.  I need to keep work and school outside of my home as much as possible.  I will have to do some things at home, but I have an office, a library, a coffee shop to go to do work.  I will recommit to inspiring conversations.  I will take time to watch a video that gets me excited about conducting and I will not feel guilty for spending that time on my passion.  I will not worry that taking time for myself (doing things such as eating, working out, or reading) is a waste of time.  Well, maybe I will, but I will fight it.

I am inspired.