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Living to Work Instead of Working to Live

As dedicated educators, our primary professional goal is to be great teachers. We hold a deep sense of responsibility for the students entrusted to our care, prioritising both their academic achievements and overall well-being. We recognise our pivotal role in nurturing the next generation to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the world, while also trying our best to ensure that they lead happy and safe lives. Achieving this aspiration however, demands considerable time and effort, often to the detriment of our own accomplishments and wellbeing.

According to a study by the NASUWT, one of the leading teaching unions in the UK, teachers typically devote an average of 54 hours per week to their profession (Busby, 2023), with a quarter of educators in England logging over 60 hours weekly (Weale, 2019). This trend is not unique to the UK but resonates with teachers globally.

The repercussions of these prolonged work hours are striking. Research conducted in 2023 at Bond University, Australia, reveals that more than half of teachers experience moderate to severe work-related anxiety, while one-fifth exhibit symptoms of moderate to severe depression.

It's indisputable that stressed and depressed educators do not make great teachers. It's ironic that our pursuit of perfection in the classroom often leads to extended work hours, ultimately undermining our desired outcomes and adversely impacting our performance. Consequently, then the achievements and well-being of our students also suffer.

The Freedom Framework

So, what's the solution? Firstly, it's essential to acknowledge that life as a teacher doesn't have to revolve solely around work, with the looming threat of burnout, anxiety, and depression. We don't have to sacrifice our wellbeing by neglecting our social, physical, and spiritual spheres in favour of our professional sphere. By using the "Freedom Framework", you can take a structured approach aimed at reassessing your schedules, acquiring effective strategies, and optimising your work practices to achieve a strong work-life balance and lead a genuinely fulfilled, holistic life.

Living a Holistic Life

With proper guidance, you can align with the 30% of men and 50% of women in the general workforce who resist the pressure to work beyond their contracted hours (Lupu and Ruiz-Castro, 2019). By conserving your time and energy, you can cultivate freedom and balance in your life.

Achieving a strong work-life balance and embracing holistic living involves dedicating attention to eight non-work domains: education, health, leisure, friendships, romantic relationships, family, household management, and community involvement (Keeney et al., 2013). The Freedom Framework simplifies these into three distinct spheres that are equally as important as the Professional Sphere:

The Social Sphere

Allocate time each week to nurture meaningful connections with significant others, including partners, children, extended family, and friends. Engage in activities that bring you joy and foster genuine connections.

The Physical Sphere

Prioritise your health and fitness by scheduling regular physical activities. This is crucial as maintaining your physical wellbeing contributes significantly to your mental state, mobility, and overall longevity.

The Spiritual Sphere 

Explore and express your spiritual self through practices such as meditation, yoga, religious activities, or other spiritual outlets. This is important as research increasingly supports the benefits of spiritual health in promoting overall wellbeing.

The Plan

Cultivating a strong work-life balance requires concerted effort and support. Many individuals benefit from guidance and accountability along the way, which is precisely where the Freedom Framework comes in. Through a series of articles and, for those ready, mentoring or coaching, you can gain invaluable insights and practical strategies to make meaningful changes.

If you find yourself among the ranks of overworked, burnt-out, anxious, or depressed teachers, it's crucial to believe in your capacity to create a better quality of life. The upcoming academic year holds the potential for transformation, leading you on a journey toward personal fulfillment—and undoubtedly, improved performance in the classroom.  All you need is self-belief, organisation and support.

I hope you can create the time this week to move closer to your goal of living a fully holistic life.

See you next week,

Thes

Future articles in this series:

• Daily habits to cultivate holistic living.
• Recognising the signs of burnout.
• The importance of boundaries.

References 

Bond University. (2023, November 23). Bond University study shows teachers are more depressed and anxious than the average Australian. https://bond.edu.au/news/bond-university-study-shows-teachers-are-more-depressed-and-anxious-than-average-australian

Busby, E. (2023, April 7). Teachers work 54 hours a week on average and most say workload has risen – poll. The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/teachers-schools-patrick-roach-government-stem-subjects-b2316310.html

Keeney, J., Boyd, E. M., Sinha, R., Westring, A. F., & Ryan, A. M. (2013). From "work–family" to "work–life": Broadening our conceptualization and measurement. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 82(3), 221–237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2013.01.005

Lupu, I. & Ruiz-Castro, M. (2021, January 29). Work-Life balance is a cycle, not an achievement. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/01/work-life-balance-is-a-cycle-not-an-achievement

Weale, S. (2019, September 17). 25% of teachers in England work more than 60 hours a week - study. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/sep/18/25-of-teachers-in-england-work-more-than-60-hours-a-week-study