Burnout Is Everyone’s Problem – Especially in Teaching
Burnout Is Everyone’s Problem – Especially in Teaching
You didn't go into teaching to feel like a failure. But somewhere along the line, the passion you once had has been smothered by endless tasks, rigid structures, and an overwhelming workload. Many teachers tell me they no longer recognise themselves-exhausted, cynical, and constantly on edge. They’re not just tired… they’re burnt out.
The Truth
Here’s the truth: burnout isn't a personal weakness-it's a structural problem. In his powerful TED talk, Burnout Is Everyone’s Problem, organisational psychologist Adam Grant explains that burnout isn't about how strong you are or how well you manage stress. It stems from systems that drain your energy, offer little control, and provide even less support.
Sound familiar?
For many of my clients, the school day is dictated down to the minute. There’s no room for breathing, let alone creativity or rest. The demands keep rising, but autonomy and support keep shrinking. This creates a perfect storm for all three types of burnout:
Overload burnout – the classic ‘too much to do and never enough time’
Under-challenged burnout – when creativity and autonomy are stripped away
Neglect burnout – when you stop trying because nothing seems to make a difference
The result?
Resentment builds, and guilt creeps in-because you care. You care about your students. You care about your family. But you’ve reached a point where you're no longer able to show up fully for either.
Reality
One of my clients, a brilliant teacher of 15 years, came to me in tears. She had tried everything-longer hours, new strategies, even changing year groups. But nothing touched the root issue: a system that gave her no control and drained her without replenishment. She wasn’t broken. The system was. And once she realised that, everything changed.
She stopped trying to push through and started focusing on healing. Not to leave teaching immediately-but to regain her mental wellbeing. That became the real goal.
After six months of support, this teacher didn’t just leave teaching-she transitioned into a wellbeing role within education, one where she could make a difference without sacrificing herself. Others I’ve worked with found new energy within the classroom once structural changes were made or boundaries were established. For some, changing environment meant rediscovering their passion. For others, it was about permission to step away-for now.
What they all shared? Relief. Self-respect. And the realisation that burnout didn’t mean they had failed.
If you’re in this place, here’s one powerful shift you can start with today:
Look for the small wins.
Burnout makes everything feel pointless-but small, visible progress is like oxygen. Write down one thing that went well today, even if it’s “I took a proper lunch break.” Celebrate that. These micro-victories build momentum and remind you that not all is lost.
And if you're questioning whether you need to leave teaching: pause. Leaving isn’t the goal. Regaining your wellbeing is. Whether that means rebuilding in your current role or stepping into something new, the most important thing is that you find your way back to yourself.
If the sound of exploring strategies to overcome burnout appeals to you, then drop me a message at [email protected] and we can arrange a no obligation chat.
For more tips around overcoming burnout, follow me on social media – I share daily support, resources, and real-life stories to help you go from surviving to thriving.
