[ca-bigsister]

This is way off topic but it's related to fostering my 17-year-old FD. Teaching teens all day and then being with my FD, her ADHD, appointments, etc. has just burned me out. I seriously am so exhausted, I just want to quit on Monday. The thought of one more day of teaching is making me so stressed out. I know that I am not doing the level I used to because I am so exhausted.

I teach high school. I am burned out. I want to quit Monday, but need some type of work until then. I just don't think I can make it through June. Would love your support.

[MamaS]

Don't quit until you have something else. Make an appointment to see a doctor. If you can get a medical recommendation to remove you from the classroom, the school might find a desk job for you until the year is out. Or, if the doctor recommends, you might be able to get disability or early retirement.
If you are in a union state, check with your local rep. They will know the legal way to preserve your income and your sanity.

[greenrobin]

Second that. You could even qualify for medical leave depending upon your diagnosis.

Just my experience, but when I'm feeling that way (like now) I usually need a little medical help. For me, it's called situational depression.

I'm finishing my masters so that I can move OUT of the classroom. But, recession being what it is, no one is moving and no assistant principalships are opening up. I'm finding myself sick to my stomach nearly every day right now.

High stakes testing is around the corner. No worries there.................

Seriously, call in on Monday and see the doc. Then take a mental health day for the remainder of the hours. I remember a post where you said you seldom missed more than a day or 2 a year. They don't raise your pay for that, nor do they give you medals.

Plus, it's amazing what a few hours of indulging yourself will do for your mood.

Some careers to look into? Try textbook companies or edcuational related software. A friend of mine left the classroom to become a sales rep for pharmeceuticals for diabetic patients and has never been happier. The assistant district attorney who tried our kids' TPR was a teacher. Possibilities are endless.

Good luck. I hope you feel re-energized very soon.

[ca-bigsister]

I'm taking Monday off, but I think that I am going to resign. I think it's time and I'll just babysit or whatever for money. I just want a job that is over when I leave, not something that I have to take home and do all weekend. I get paid for 5 hours of work a day but easily do 10-12 hours a day.

I'm really happy about my decision. I think that it will definitely open the door for something else.
The magic has been missing for a while, and I want it back.

[Becki_in_IN]

My dh just retired early at 52. He was seriously burned out. He's retired military and we do get quite a bit from that plus we have health insurance, but going from outstanding insurance to one that pays only 75% with 3 special needs kids who don't have Medicaid is a little daunting.

I always wanted to have a house full of foster kids after he retired and he could help me. I think he would have to make a little more money before we could do that though. We do have room for 3 more kids, but honestly I think my two oldest might kill each other if they had to share a room or maybe they might learn to get along. LOL

[takingtheplunge]

When I read your post, I thought, "Hey, what am I doing posting in my sleep?"

I sent you a p.m.

[japeth]

As a teacher and a union rep, my thoughts are DON'T RESIGN YET! Instead, look into your contract. Our contract allows for teachers to take a 1-2 year sabbatical leave. This allows you to keep your position should you change your mind, while giving you the break you need. My husband decided a few years ago that he needed a change; within months he regretted it horribly, especially in this economy. Being out of the classroom gave him perspective he didn't have in the throws of the situation.

That said, I understand the wanting to just be done! With a teenager at home and dealing with teens all day, I wonder sometimes how I will make it until June too.

[ca-bigsister]

Thanks for all of your support. Sometimes it's so easy to feel so alone when you are a foster parent dealing with challenging kids. I appreciate everyone's comments and support. Thanks -
I really needed it.

[sayoko7]

Time for the principal to chime in---the very thing that burns you out is the thing we need most-people who make relationships with children. But every time you put out emotionally, you need to put something back in, or you drain the tank. Make sure when you take your Monday, you don't spend it doing errands, etc. Do something for yourself.