Teaching English abroad or online is rewarding, but there can be some difficulties too. Between lesson planning, back-to-back classes, cultural adjustments, and juggling time zones, burnout can sneak up on even the most passionate TEFL teachers.
So how do you keep your energy up and your passion alive? Here are five practical, tried-and-tested tips to help you avoid burnout and stay motivated in your TEFL journey.
Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Life
Whether you’re working online or in a classroom abroad, it’s easy to let your job bleed into your personal time. You might find yourself replying to student messages late at night or squeezing in a quick lesson on your day off. But the reality is, teaching can be emotionally draining. You need to take the time to refuel properly so that you can effectively help others.
Try this: Set fixed working hours (and stick to them). Block off personal time in your calendar just like you would a class. Use auto responses outside of work hours and schedule proper breaks in your day.
Don’t Try to Be the ‘Perfect’ Teacher
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every lesson or be the most entertaining teacher on the internet. Constantly chasing perfection leads to unnecessary stress.
Try this: Reuse and adapt your best lesson plans instead of starting from scratch each time. Use online TEFL communities to share resources and ideas. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Prioritise Self-Care Without Guilt
We often hear “self-care” thrown around, but in the world of TEFL, it needs to be more than just a buzzword. Teaching across time zones, managing student expectations, and living abroad can take a toll. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your weekly routine.
Try this: Whether it’s yoga, a long walk, journaling, or a full digital detox on Sundays – find something that recharges you. And remember: rest is productive.
Stay Connected With Other Teachers
Teaching English abroad or online can be isolating, especially if you’re in a remote location or working independently. Burnout often creeps in when you feel like you’re doing it all alone.
Try this: Join Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or forums for TEFL teachers. Attend webinars, virtual meetups, or teacher training refreshers. Talking to people who “get it” and with similar interests makes a world of difference.
Reflect and Reconnect With Your ‘Why’
When things get overwhelming, step back and remind yourself why you started this journey. Was it to travel more? Work remotely? Make a difference in students’ lives?
Try this: Keep a teaching journal where you jot down small wins – like a student finally nailing a grammar point or a kind message you received. These little moments reignite purpose when motivation feels low.
Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign you’ve been doing a lot. But with some boundaries, support, and self-awareness, you can keep doing what you love without burning out.
At Premier TEFL, we’re not just here to help you get certified – we’re here to support your journey long after you start teaching. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know this: you’re not alone, and you’ve got a community behind you.
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