Teachers in Transition – Ep 227 – Navigating Burnout, Scissors in the Console, and Networking Revisited

The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity, especially for teachers juggling classroom responsibilities, family obligations, and festive preparations. In this episode, we dive into the unique challenges of this time of year, offering insights on managing stress, preventing burnout, and embracing imperfection.

Discover practical self-care tips to protect your well-being, like scheduling micro-breaks, setting boundaries with grace, and finding joy in unexpected moments. Learn how to create a “Not for Emergencies” car kit with everyday essentials that save time and reduce stress.

We also tackle networking for those exploring new career paths, with strategies to connect authentically and leverage LinkedIn for building professional relationships. Whether you’re staying in education or considering a transition, these actionable insights will help you thrive during this busy season.

Plus, hear a surprising story about Alaskan wildfires that reframes burnout as a natural opportunity for growth and renewal.

Teacher Hack: Build a "Not for Emergencies" Car Kit with scissors, tape, stamps, and more to handle life’s little surprises.
Job Hunting Tip: Reframe networking as relationship-building and unlock the power of your existing connections.

Links & Resources:
📩 Share your thoughts or tips: teachersandtransitioncoaching@gmail.com
Explore Careers at O*NET Online 

Podcast: Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore by Charles Fournier. 

Follow Teachers in Transition on Facebook to stay in the know of all the latest information along with doses of inspiration. Want more?  You can join in the discussion on our podcast’s Facebook page!

Come and see! www.teachersintransition.com. Here you can find where to access the Resume Workshop.

Are  you ready to schedule that discovery session to see if you are ready to make the leap?  Head over to the calendar and schedule a time for you to talk one on one with Vanessa

The transcript of this podcast can be found on the podcasts’ homepage at Buzzsprout. 

Transcript

Are you a teacher who is feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? do you worry that you're feeling symptoms of burnout - or are you sure you've already gotten there? Have you started to dream of doing something different or a new job or perhaps pursuing an entirely different career - but you don't know what else you're qualified to do? You don't know how to start a job search and you just feel stuck. If that sounds like you, I promise you are not alone. my name is Vanessa Jackson; and I am a career transition and job search coach and I specialize in helping burnt out teachers just like you deal with the overwhelmingly stressful nature of your day-to-day job and to consider what other careers might be out there waiting for you. You might ask yourself, What tools do I need to find a new career?  Are my skills valuable outside the classroom?  How and where do I even get started?  These are all questions you deserve answers to, and I can help you find them.  I’m Vanessa Jackson. Come and join me for Teachers in Transition.  

***Hi!  And Welcome back to another episode of Teachers in Transition. I am your host, Vanessa Jackson –a career transition and job search coach specializing in educators. I am here to help you reach your goals and figure out how to navigate the journey from overwhelmed, stressed out and burnt-out teacher to a new job or career that allows you to find what you want in your life. I provide tips and suggestions to help with stress and mental health, hacks to help your day, and tips for career transition and  job-hunting  I am so happy you are here!  Today on the pod, we are going to talk about navigating through burnout that always seems to intensify here in the holiday season, a hack that will help with those not-an-emergency emergencies that seem to come up while on the go, and we’ll revisit networking – it’s not as scary as you think!

First, my apologies for the late drop this weekend – The Teachers in Transition Podcast is something of a one-person show most of the time, and this weekend I felt ill and was just not up to all the tasks.  

 do want to remind everyone about the Resume Workshop coming up on Sunday, November the 24th!  That’s right around the corner!  YOU can write your resume.  We’ll start at 2:00 PM Central time.  In this resume, we’ll talk about formatting for applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruiters, Do’s and Don’ts, Current trends, and why it’s fishy when someone says they’ve submitted their resume thousands of times. There’s a reason it isn’t getting noticed.  I’ll also include some tips for using AI to help You with your resume, and spoiler alert – one of the don’ts is don’t let AI write the whole thing!

The holiday season is upon us! If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, chances are you're already knee-deep in planning, prepping, and organizing. This time of year is such an interesting mix of chaos, joy, and exhaustion, especially for those of us who work with children. Teachers, in particular, face a unique set of challenges as the holidays approach. Let’s talk about why this season can feel overwhelming and how you can navigate it while protecting your sanity and well-being.

The stretch of time between Halloween and the winter holidays is a whirlwind. First, we lose the day after Halloween because the kids are hopped up on sugar and excitement. Then, we roll into November, where the pace picks up as we approach Thanksgiving. Some school districts give a full week off, while others grant just a few days. Regardless, that pre-Thanksgiving stretch often feels like a sprint to tie up loose ends before the break.

After Thanksgiving, things escalate. Suddenly, you’re juggling classroom responsibilities, grading, and holiday obligations. On top of that, there are celebrations, concerts, end-of-semester performances, and all the other little "extras" that pop up this time of a semester and a calendar year. And let’s not forget, most of us are the primary drivers of holiday preparation in our own homes—shopping, decorating, cooking, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. It’s no wonder that by December, burnout feels like it’s burning brighter than the holiday lights.

Burnout is a common experience for teachers, it’s practically universal at this point - particularly during high-stress times like the holidays. It’s important to remind yourself of one thing: you may be burned out, but you are not broken. Many teachers reach this time of year feeling depleted because no matter how much you do or how late you stay up, it never feels like you’re catching up.

The truth is, teaching is inherently demanding. Overcrowded classrooms, administrative pressures, the emotional labor of supporting students, and the lack of resources all contribute to this exhaustion. Add the emotional labor at home, and it feels like a never-ending marathon. But here’s the key: this is not a personal failing. It’s a systemic issue, and unfortunately, it’s not going away anytime soon.  We have to learn how to get through it intact.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable—it means you’ve been carrying too much for too long, often with little to no support. And even when support is available, it often isn’t enough because the demands keep increasing, and the amount of support we need grows.  And when those closest to us can’t handle the weight of that anymore, it creates an additional tension and stress in our lives.

Burnout is more than just exhaustion; it’s a sign. It’s your body and mind telling you that something needs to change. Sometimes, it’s a nudge to pause and reassess.  Sometimes it’s much bigger. This doesn’t mean throwing in the towel—it means realigning your priorities and creating space for yourself.

Take a moment to reflect on the resilience you have already shown. Think about just a few of the challenges you’ve faced as a teacher:

• Helping students through tough times whether they are accepting of it or not
• Adapting to new technologies and curriculums – often with very little heads up
• Balancing endless demands with creativity and strength.
• Dealing with the endless communication needs and replies to emails.  That’s job on TOP of the job you already have! 

These are the qualities that make teachers remarkable. I keep saying that teachers are my favorite people – y’all are my WHY. So, when you feel like you’ve given everything you have, remember that your capacity for resilience is extraordinary.  And you’ve built the plane while you were flying it! 

Sometimes it might be important to look at it from a different perspective.

I’ll share here a story about wildfires in Alaska that might offer one. Alaska is vast, and their policy for wildfires is pragmatic: if a fire isn’t actively threatening towns or critical structures, they let it burn itself out. Wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem—they clear out undergrowth, making room for new life to thrive.  The moral to this little piece of the story is:  Burnout can help you assess and clear out the undergrowth in your life to make room for the things that are most important. 

One year, a wildfire started unusually early. It started way too early!  The snow hadn’t all melted yet!  Surely melting snow would discourage wildfires, right?  Here’s what happened: the fire had gone underground.  It was then covered by snow but the fire was still there, simmering quietly throughout the winter season. When the snow melted, the fire reemerged, continuing its work of clearing the forest.  That was something I added to my list of things I didn’t even know was possible!

Sometimes, self-care is like that crazy wildfire. You need to go “underground” for a bit—take a day, an hour, or even just a few minutes to simmer quietly. Use that time to recharge so that when you reemerge, you’re ready to keep going.

While self-care often feels like a cliché, and they often make it feel like it’s our fault if we aren’t doing it, it’s a necessity, especially during the holiday season. Here are some actionable tips to help you navigate this busy time:

1. Schedule Time for Yourself
Put time on your calendar just like you would for a meeting or an appointment. You should be your most important appointment. And while we know we won’t have a lot of time at this time of year, find little spots where you can enjoy a beverage and stream a show that you enjoy. Make it non-negotiable.  You might even find that you enjoy streaming a show that you enjoyed when you were younger – studies have suggested that there is a comfort in watching a show where you already know what’s coming.  Some of my favorite old shows in that department are Leverage (Freevee), Firefly (Hulu), Night Court (and I can’t remember where that is off the top of my head – I’ll put it in the show notes). 

2. Take Micro-Breaks
Sometimes, all you need is a moment. Take a sip of your drink, step outside for a breath of fresh air, or simply pause and stretch. These small breaks can help reset your mindset during a hectic day. If you need it in the middle of a class.  Encourage the class to join in a stretch, a moment of silence to “see how far away they can hear,”  or hydrate from their water bottle while you enjoy your coffee. 

3. Lean on Your Community
Find a "battle buddy"—a friend, or mentor, or possibly a colleague who understands what you’re going through. Share your feelings and frustrations. Sometimes, just saying it out loud can lighten the load. I like to say that anything divided by two leaves half as much.  I don’t really recommend venting too much to someone that works at the same place you do unless you have a lot of trust in them. Sometimes those frustrations can come back and bite you on the rear. 

4. Set Boundaries
It’s okay to say no. You don’t have to attend every event, volunteer for every committee, or take on every extra responsibility. Protect your time and energy.  I find that starting the word “Alas” or “Unfortunately” makes it easier. 
“Alas, I am already booked at that time for something else” 
“Unfortunately, I am not able to attend. 
You’ll note that there are no details in that, really.  Your NO is your business.  If you share details, you give them negotiating points and before you know it, you’ve gotten sucked in.  
 
Occasionally I have had to deploy “Please respect my No”

5. Embrace Imperfection
Sometimes, the most memorable moments come from things not going according to plan. If your holiday prep—or your classroom plans—go sideways, laugh about it. Imperfections often make for the best stories later. Think about camping trips. Camping families aways seem closer, don’t they?  The science behind is says that it isn’t the camping – it’s the fact that something ALWAYS goes wrong on a camping trip (who else has had to repair a tent pole in the rain??).  A couple of weeks after the trip, all the campers can collectively laugh at the misfortune – and a bond is made. 
 
The same can be true for the holidays and your classroom. If things don’t go perfectly, it’s okay. Sometimes, the magic comes from the unexpected.

It is definitely  the things that go wrong that make for the biggest memories.  Ask my family about the time I thought it would be a good idea to make a 25# turkey for a family of four. 

And for some, burnout might be a sign that it’s time to explore a new career. If you’re considering a transition, resources like O*NET Online can help you explore different fields and see what sparks your interest. Podcasts, including this one, can also provide insights and inspiration.

One I recently discovered is Those Who Can’t Teach Anymore by Charles Fournier. It’s a seven-part series that dives into the challenges of teaching and the experiences of those who’ve transitioned out of the profession. Hearing others share their struggles can be validating—it reminds you that you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.

The holidays are busy, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming. But they’re also a time to reflect, connect, and find joy in the small moments. If there is one thing I want you to take from this segment today is it to remember that you are enough. Your effort, your care, and your resilience are more than enough for your students, your family, and for you.  

And if you need to let a few things slide, that’s okay too. Imperfection is not failure—it’s human. Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and, yes, even laugh when things don’t go as planned.

Because at the end of the day, you’re not broken.  You’re enough.

TEACHER HACK: 

And now we move on the today’s teacher hack, where the goal is always to make life a little less stressful by sharing tips that simplify your day. Today’s hack is about assembling a "Not for Emergencies" Car Kit—a small collection of items that you might not realize you need until the moment arises. While those of you living in colder climates are likely familiar with packing an emergency winter kit for your car, this isn’t about jumper cables, blankets, or ice scrapers.

This kit is for those everyday, why-don’t-I-have-that-thing moments that seem to pop up when you’re least prepared. I didn’t start thinking about emergency kits until we moved to Alaska, where I learned the importance of always having. Back in Texas, we didn’t need winter survival gear, but this hack works no matter where you live. It’s about being prepared for life’s little hiccups—and trust me, these items have come in handy more times than I can count.

Here’s what I recommend keeping in your center console or glove box:

1. A Pair of Scissors
   Have you ever tried to open packaging that seems designed to defy human strength? Scissors are a lifesaver when dealing with stubborn plastic or tightly sealed snacks, or when you want to open a box!
2. Packaging Tape
   Whether it’s for sealing a last-minute package or fixing something temporarily (like a hem), a small roll of tape is surprisingly useful.
3. A Sharpie and a Pen
   You never know when you’ll need to label something, jot down a note, or sign a document on the go. A Sharpie’s bold ink can even help in unexpected situations, like marking a temporary repair.
4. Stamps
   Yes, people still use them, and snail mail still exists! Keep a small stash of stamps in a Ziploc bag. That way, if you find yourself needing to send a letter or form, you won’t have to go all the way to the post office.

This kit takes up almost no space but has saved me time and stress more times than I can count. It’s not about emergencies—it’s about being ready for life’s everyday curveballs.

Do you have some "Not for Emergencies" items that’s made your life easier in the car? I’d love to hear about it! Send me an email at teachersintransitioncoaching@gmail.com or click the link in the show notes to text the podcast directly. I’ll be sure to share your suggestions in an upcoming episode.

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Happy hacking!

JOB HUNTING TIP: NETWORKING REVISITED

And moving on to our segment on job hunting, let’s dive deeper into the often-daunting topic of networking. Networking can feel intimidating, even terrifying, for many of us. The idea of approaching strangers to talk about yourself or your career goals might make your palms sweat just thinking about it. But I want to challenge that perspective and encourage you to reframe how you think about networking. Spoiler alert: it’s not as scary as it seems. In fact, you’ve already been networking your entire life.

Let’s start with the basics. Your network is everyone you know and, by extension, everyone that they know. Think about that for a second—your network is enormous! You just haven’t fully tapped into it yet. When you embrace this broader definition, networking feels less like starting from scratch and more like reconnecting with the people already in your world.

Now, let’s talk about how networking applies when you’re transitioning to a new career. First, and this is important, you need to know what you want to do. Identifying your next step is its own process and requires some soul-searching, research, and maybe even professional coaching. But once you have a clear idea of your career goal, you can begin to leverage your network to gather insights and connections in your chosen field.

For example, let’s say you’ve decided to explore a career in event planning. The next step is to talk to people who are already in that field. Start by reaching out to individuals who work as event planners or in related roles. You don’t need to know these people personally to connect with them; platforms like LinkedIn make it incredibly easy to find professionals in any industry. Send them a message introducing yourself, expressing genuine interest in their work, and asking if they’d be willing to chat for 10 minutes about their experiences.

When you do get a chance to connect, come prepared with thoughtful questions. Here are a few examples:

• What do you wish you had known before becoming an event planner?
• What’s the most surprising aspect of the job?
• What skills have been the most valuable in your career?
• What’s your favorite part of this job, and what’s your least favorite?

These kinds of questions do two things: they help you understand the job from an insider’s perspective, and they show the person you’re speaking with that you’re serious about learning. Remember, this is not just about collecting facts; it’s about building a relationship, even if it’s a brief one. And teachers know all about building relationships!

Let’s go back to LinkedIn for a moment. It’s a fantastic tool for professional networking because it allows you to connect with people you might not otherwise meet. When reaching out, keep your message short and to the point. LinkedIn gives you the option to send a message.  For example:

"Hi Person’s Name Here, I’m exploring a career in event planning and came across your profile. Your experience is inspiring, and I’d love to learn more about your journey. Would you have 10 minutes for a quick chat or an email exchange? Thank you in advance for considering!"

Most people are happy to help, especially if you’re respectful of their time and genuinely curious about their experiences. Once they respond, follow through on what is promised. If you said it would be a 10-minute call, wrap it up in 10 minutes unless they offer to continue. If you asked for an email dialogue, stick to a concise number of questions and express gratitude for their input.

As you build these connections, something magical starts to happen. You’re not just gathering information—you’re expanding your network. And here’s the real kicker: your network now includes not only the people you’ve spoken to but also everyone they know. This becomes incredibly valuable when you’re ready to apply for roles, as these connections can potentially open doors or introduce you to the decision-makers in the industry.

One critical mindset shift can make all the difference: don’t approach networking solely as a job-seeking activity. If you reach out to someone with the sole purpose of asking for a job, it feels transactional and insincere. Instead, focus on learning and building relationships. Approach the conversation with curiosity and the goal of learning more about the field. When you show genuine interest in the work and build friendly connections, opportunities tend to follow naturally.

A quick note about the term “friend.” When I say you’re building friendships in your chosen field, I don’t mean lifelong buddies who share all your secrets or accompany you to the movies. I’m talking about friendly acquaintances – people you like, respect, and share a professional interest with. These are individuals who will think of you when they hear about opportunities, offer advice when you need it, and possibly even vouch for you when you’re applying for roles.

Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start by redefining what networking means: it’s about relationships (making friends!), not self-promotion. Tap into the connections you already have, use tools like LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in your desired field, and focus on learning and building genuine connections. Networking done right is not just about landing a job; it’s about planting seeds for a flourishing career. You’ve got this!

As a quick reminder again here at the end – I am hosting a working on writing your own resume – something that you can definitely do by yourself.  It will be Sunday, November 24th (the Sunday before Thanksgiving) and it will start at 2:00 Central Time.  I anticipate that it will go for 90 minutes, but that allows for some Q&A time.  You can find the Zoom link in the show notes or you can go to Teachers in Transition Dot Com and find the sign-up link there.  

That’s the podcast for today! If you liked this podcast, tell a friend, and don’t forget to rate and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Tune in weekly to Teachers in Transition where we discuss Job Search strategies as well as stress management techniques.  And I want to hear from you!  Please reach out and leave me a message at Teacher in transition coaching at gmail dot com.  You can also leave a voicemail or text at 512-640-9099. 

I’ll see you here again next week and remember – YOU are amazing!