Written by

Ben Hobbis

Primary School Teacher, Middle Leader, DSL & Student Mentor and Founder & Chair of the Step Up Network

I came into the teaching profession later than most, I had a different ‘career’ before this. Although, I recognise that at the point of writing this article, both my careers to date have been early ones (four years in retail and three and a half years in education). I’m someone who has navigated two different (but not so different) careers. And two different ways of working.

I knew teaching would be hard and full on, when entering the profession. The big change for me was going from working shifts around the clock to working regular hours, but then having work outside of my work. Teaching will always be hard and demanding. We’re dealing with the lives of children and young people, who only have one chance, but this should not be to the detriment of your own health and wellbeing. When coming into the sector, I was intentional about how I would manage my wellbeing. I took care when searching for jobs to ensure it was the right fit for me and an organisation that would protect my overall wellness. But, I did not hold myself accountable and didn’t abide by my intentions and I gradually started to sink.

I remember in the Autumn of my ECT year, despite having over half a year under my belt as an unqualified teacher, I had no life. My camera roll on my phone had no photographs of activities, memories or even food that I’d enjoyed. I then made the change to start doing things for me. This was only a small change, but the very start of the journey.

It felt like a rollercoaster. I took on leadership of some aspects of school life, I really enjoyed this, I could see the impact straight away, whereas in the classroom this impact was taking a little longer. Whilst it was a little more work, I felt more fulfilled. As I got to the summer term, I could reuse some of the resources I had used the previous year, when I started there in March. But, I still felt overall underwhelmed with teaching. I quit. I handed in my resignation and said that I would leave teaching. After this, I relaxed a bit and actually was more of my authentic self in the classroom. I’d become rigid, stressed, shouty and moody. This wasn’t me as a teacher. I changed my teacher persona, I achieved some great things as a leader and I decided to stay.

I moved year group, took on some different roles and went on a solo trip over the summer. I was even more intentional and stuck to them. I deleted people out of my life that didn’t align with my values and didn’t bring me any joy. However, the roller coaster dipped again. I resigned again, this time to move school. I left on a high having made a great impact on my own class but others and colleagues as well; having led elements through an Ofsted inspection and handed over my responsibilities and hopefully, my legacy. I took a step away from leadership and focused on teaching in a school that was larger, also had high expectations and a great focus on wellbeing. I finished my induction on a high, with a group of colleagues and leaders who’ve continually praised me. Now, I’ve had the most successful September start in three years and I’m ready to step back up soon.

Intentionality and reflection is key to any aspect of your life. You and your wellbeing comes first. Wellbeing is when every cell in your body is bouncing happily. You can only make the changes, something has to give sometimes and it shouldn’t be you. These changes are very brave to make and it’s hard to make this journey alone. Reach out to those you trust, those closest to you, those you love and you will then get a work life that you love.