Well-being by Anonymous

Name: Anonymous
Twitter name:
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: RQT
What is your advice about? Well-being

1: You’ll always feel you could do more. Try to get comfortable with this nagging feeling as soon as possible, because it isn’t going away.

2: Lie about your job at parties. It’s easier than listening to the sixth opinion that night on how teachers should do this or that. You get enough of that at work.

3: Find the colleagues that make you laugh. You need the ones that make you chuckle, regardless of whether they’re ‘radiators’ or ‘drains’.

4: Hydrate. Don’t think ‘well I don’t have time to pee anyway’ because you’ll get to 4pm and feel like you’re hungover, but with none of the fun.

5: Listen to Take That’s ‘Never Forget’ frequently. One’s reaction to this song is an excellent barometer for workplace well-being. If you cry, phone in sick.

Surviving When ‘Life Stuff’ Crops Up by @MissAVECarter

Name: Bella Carter
Twitter name: @MissAVECarter
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: Teacher
What is your advice about? Surviving when ‘life stuff’ crops up

1: Acknowledgement : accept that today, for reasons beyond your control, you are not going to be outstanding.

2: Planning: pull together some low input, high output, silent working for your pupils. Tests, films, project work all good examples.

3: Acting: put on that brave face. Smile and welcome pupils into your room. Get them on task quickly.

4: Forgiveness: be kind to yourself. Don’t worry if lessons are not up to your usual high standards or if pupils do not achieve as much as they usually do.

5: Respite: leave school on time and find time for yourself in the evening and weekend to relax. Your health and well-being must come first.

Knowing When To Jump Ship by Anonymous

Name: Anonymous
Twitter name:
Sector: Secondary
Subject taught (if applicable):
Position: Former teacher
What is your advice about? Knowing when to jump ship

1: If you are averaging 4 hours sleep a weeknight in order to fit in work then do something about it. Your health is more important than your job.

2: It’s *not* normal to get tearful, angry or have panic attacks no matter what people say. It isn’t something ‘you should put up with’ and it also isn’t ‘part of the job’.

3: Use your support network outside the job. They will realise you are struggling and will offer a shoulder to cry on or help you get things in perspective.

4: Go to your GP and be honest – they have heard it all before. Get referred to counselling and keep a copy of paperwork if signed off.

5: You will in all probability know in your heart if it is time to leave the profession. Have an escape route, use all the support you can and realise you *will* be ok.