burnout

[sadmillenial]

I have been working in schools for over 20 years, up to assistant head level. Since having glandular fever i have stepped down considerably and now work part time due to ongoing fatigue

i really think i am in trouble and would love to just "re-set" and have a proper break and rest, but this is impossible because i need to pay my rent and bills

how does anyone recover if they dont have any family help or savings? i am genuinely at my wits end and i dont know what i should do...

I haven’t got anything helpful to say, except that I’m really sorry - it sounds like you have been worked into the ground, which isn’t unusual in a school I think.

I’m gradually (very gradually!) cutting down at school and replacing some of my hours with music tuition (I’m a music teacher). Might tutoring be something you can set up?

I don’t know the answer but I feel burnout at school too so just wanted to say you aren’t alone.

Have you looked at other jobs and what you could do for similar money? You will have a whole host of transferable skills now.

I would divide your approach into tactical and strategic

Tactical - small immediate fixes
Improved pre sleep routine eg shower, audiobook and early night
Identify and eliminate any optional responsibilities
Outsource eg get your groceries delivered, buy some prepared veg etc.
Write a list of all those niggling little jobs that you need to do and gradually work through them - the difference to your mental clarity is huge

Strategic - long term plans
New job?
New location?
Sabbatical?
Retraining?
Running away and joining the circus?