Worried About Your Safety? Let's Plan Your Exit.

You’ve felt it.

You walk into your classroom, ready to make a difference.

But instead of focusing on teaching, your mind is consumed by concerns about safety - both your students' and your own.

This constant state of worry takes a toll, and it's not just physical safety at risk. 

It’s your mental and emotional well-being too.

I call this "Survival Mode."

It’s when your primary concern becomes getting through the day unscathed. 

It’s where far too many teachers are stuck right now. 

And let’s be real: it’s not sustainable.

But what can you do when constant worries about safety pull your focus away from why you became a teacher in the first place?

Today, I want to break down some signs of "Survival Mode" and offer action steps to help you regain a sense of control over your well-being.

Because you can’t effectively teach - or live - when you're stuck in survival mode.

Symptom 1: Hypervigilance

You’ve probably found yourself scanning every room you walk into, mentally mapping out exits, and considering worst-case scenarios. 

While it’s important to be prepared, hypervigilance is mentally exhausting and chips away at your sense of safety.

Action Step:

Pause for a moment and ground yourself. 

Identify one small thing you can control in your environment today. 

It could be as simple as rearranging your desk or creating a personal routine to help you feel more secure. 

Small steps can help build a sense of calm.

Symptom 2: Emotional Exhaustion

When you’re constantly on high alert, the emotional toll is immense. 

You may find yourself feeling detached, overwhelmed, or unable to connect with your students the way you used to.

Action Step:

Take a step back and allow yourself time to breathe. 

Whether it’s five minutes of mindfulness during your prep period or simply sitting in silence, prioritizing short breaks can help reset your emotional state. 

Remember, self-care isn't selfish - it's essential.

Symptom 3: Numbness to Tragedy

Hearing about another incident at a school can start to feel routine. 

When you're numb to it, it’s a sign that your mental defenses are up. 

This kind of numbness helps you survive in the moment, but it can have long-term mental health consequences.

Action Step:

Acknowledge your feelings, even if they seem overwhelming. 

Journaling, talking to a trusted colleague, or seeking support from a counselor can help you process emotions that feel too big to handle alone.

Symptom 4: Feeling Trapped

You’re tired of the constant anxiety but feel stuck because teaching is all you’ve ever known. 

Leaving feels like an impossible choice, but staying feels just as difficult.

Action Step:

You don’t need to have it all figured out today, but it might be time to explore new career options. 

Start small - research roles where your skills can transfer. 

Project Management, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Leadership, Customer Success, and Sales are areas where many former teachers find success.

Even thinking about possibilities outside the classroom can bring a sense of hope.

Symptom 5: Isolation

It’s easy to feel like no one else truly understands the weight you’re carrying. 

Isolation can creep in, making you feel like you're alone in navigating these challenges.

Action Step:

Reach out. 

Whether you're looking to connect with other educators facing similar challenges or seeking support, building a network can make all the difference. 

Feel free to reach out to me anytime by simply hitting “reply” to this email. 

I'm here to help.

 

The reality is, teaching is no longer just about education. 

It’s about survival. 

And the weight of that is heavier than it’s ever been. 

But you don’t have to bear it alone or silently.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Take a few moments each day to ground yourself in something you can control.
2. Prioritize small acts of self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes.
3. Allow yourself to feel and process what’s happening - don’t numb out.
4. Explore career options, even if it’s just research for now.
5. Build a support system to avoid isolation.

 

You deserve to feel safe - physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

It’s time to start taking small steps to regain control over your well-being, even when the system feels broken.

Thanks for reading this week.

Remember, your safety and mental health matter more than anything else.

Onward! 

Chris 

P.S. No matter where you are in your journey to leave education, I can help.

• Know where you want to go but need a resume and cover letter refresh to speak to your target audience and land interviews? Our team has you covered. Click here to schedule your resume and cover letter refresh.

• Want to build consistent momentum at your own pace while still teaching? Start with The Exit Plan, my self-paced course that guides you step-by-step from classroom to corporate. Enroll here to get started today.

• Ready to go all-in and leave education for good? My 1:1 coaching offers personalized support, feedback, and strategies to make your transition happen fast. Book your 1:1 coaching program here.