PSA: look out for your own mental health, because others won’t.

This month is like hell for me. Yes, it’s the end of the school year, but with that comes an endless stream of awards ceremonies, banquets, fine arts performances, graduation, and even a state competition on a Saturday. Of the 23 weeknights this month, I have an event on 12 of them. I also have 2 Saturdays where I will be working a total of about 27 hours.

Some people may be able to handle this stuff with ease, but not me. Add in the fact that Mother’s Day and my dad’s BDay are within the same week, and it just makes things crazier.

The only way I can make it through is by using some saved up sick leave. In the first semester, I started a thread about looking for a job at a middle school instead of high school, as that would alleviate much of the time spent. I would gladly take a pay cut to have more time with my wife, and time to do things I want to do.

I struggle daily during these weeks to not lose my shite. I constantly remind myself that I’m the only one looking out for me (aside from my wife, but we don’t work together, so that doesn’t directly ease my schedule).

I know there’s others on here dealing with shite. Maybe there’s a fellow educator that also hates this month as much as I do. My reward is a summer that lasts about 5-weeks. Rest assured, I’ve done the math this year and the number of 65+ hour weeks I’ve worked makes up for most of that time.

Again…take time for yourself. Take time for your family. Go for a nice walk outside while everyone else is at work. Drink a beer at a patio bar and people watch. Hit up the golf course. When shite gets real and you don’t take care of yourself, you will feel physical pain. I didn’t know that until I had endured weeks of torture. Don’t try to tough it out 24-7. Listen to your body, and relax.