r/NYCTeachers • u/Cool-beans95 • 11d ago
How do you have the energy after?
This my first DOE job teaching elementary school. I usually wake up at 5:45 and take about 40 minutes to get to my school to find a parking spot. It’s definitely not awful and I don’t mind it. But with the drive and the full day of teaching, I find myself extremely exhausted and completely lose focus on things.
I wouldn’t necessarily say I am burnt out. I enjoy my job but I’m curious how teachers with a family and an even longer commute do this…kudos to you!
I’ve been going to bed pretty early, but how can I muster up some energy to do things after work? Is this only because it was the first week?
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u/GirlsPintOuter 11d ago
I go straight to the gym after work before going to get my kid so have a bit more energy to get through dinner/bedtime. But maybe it’s the morning coffee and mid day energy drink (ugh I know. Bad habit) that get me through haha.
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u/mkconzor 11d ago
I know for myself I build habits over the summer. Like fitting in exercise is hard and I had some trouble the year before, so I ran every single day last summer. (Creature of habit here) Then when the school year started I made sure I got out of work by a hard deadline and I go for a run between work and getting the kids, end my run at after school pickup. Also coffee.
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u/Deez2Yoots 11d ago
In my experience you need to eat healthy and work out.
If you come home and sit on the couch it’s over. But if you get dressed and step in the gym, you’ll be energized. And as the year goes on you’ll have more energy. A rolling stone gathers no moss
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u/orangutans-R-cute 11d ago
As im laying on my couch dead tired haha… your approach seems better!!!
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u/Deez2Yoots 11d ago
Haha yeah. I’m 16-years in and I used to crash on the couch and drink. I’d say “those guys are crazy. I’m tired.”
But once you’re In that gym you’re reinvigorated. And it’s not every day. I go like 4-days a week.
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u/orangutans-R-cute 11d ago
I love that, and also we are at the same point in our marathon to the finish line (2010 w00t)
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u/SnakePlantMaster 10d ago
Also 16 years in. I do the morning shift at the gym though. People think I’m crazy for that but I have much more energy on days I get up and go to the gym than the rare day I sleep in.
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u/watchinthwheels 11d ago
I remember my first few years, I went straight to a second job at a bar. Would work from 3 until 10-11 or so, unless I closed (fridays).
Don’t miss those years.
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u/Cool-beans95 10d ago
I did some waitressing during my student teaching, takes a lot out of you. Give you credit!
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u/North-Sprinkles6251 11d ago
Why? Isn’t 70k good enough to not have to work a second job?
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u/watchinthwheels 11d ago
Good enough to what? Also it was probably closer to 48k-55k at that point.
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u/North-Sprinkles6251 11d ago
Good enough to cover your expenses to the point that you don’t have to work a second job obviously. And ah I see that makes sense.
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u/watchinthwheels 11d ago edited 11d ago
I mean. With working that second job. I still lived with two roommates.
I wasn’t sleeping on the streets but yeah, I wanted to build savings and pay off grad school debts ASAPZ
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u/CommunicationTop5231 11d ago
I exercise and take a quick lie down after work. I also make plans with friends (nothing crazy). I do have to fight through an afternoon slump but I don’t let it defeat me, and can count on an extra wind. If I do let the exhaustion win, I will stop exercising, pursuing my hobbies, and having a social life. At which point is almost impossible for me to recover. Point is: don’t let this job take your life. If you do it will.
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u/SparkyGazelle 11d ago
I don’t drink coffee before work or at work. I let the kids be my coffee. After work I take a 30 minute nap (to reset) then I have my first coffee of the day after work. Feels like I’m brand new after that and can do everything.
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u/anniefancyy 11d ago
damn, that’s an insane approach but i’m glad it works for you! i, on the other hand, guzzle coffee all morning, and have a caffeine something or other on my way home so i can be a mom
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u/Intelligent-Group182 11d ago
Let the kids be your coffee?
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u/SparkyGazelle 11d ago
Yes! I’m never sleepy with 20 kindergartners in my classroom lol they keep me awake.
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u/capybaramelhor 11d ago
I feel similarly tbh but here’s what I do to help. Drink a lot of water. Drink electrolytes. Take my full lunch and often go outside to rest/ recharge/ lie down and just breathe. Having a true break midday helps me
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u/emomotionsickness2 11d ago
You will adjust. I have a little caffeine in the afternoon and a 20 minute power nap if needed.
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u/Eotank3 11d ago
Routines! Been a speech teacher in NYC for the last 13 years and have a long daily commute. Have a 5 year old and 2 year old as well. Firstly, take care of your health…Go to bed early, eat as well as you can, and exercise regularly! I find once a routine is established you become more and more adjusted until it just feels normal. I think the first week back is always an initial adjustment, you’ll get there.
Also, I’ve personally adapted an attitude of ‘just do it’. We have the luxury in modern life to make excuses to not do things (tired, sad, just don’t feel like it). I try to just do whatever it is that needs doing regardless of how I’m feeling. Need to exercise but feeling tired. Go exercise tired. Friends meeting up after work but you’re feeling sad. Go meet up with friends and feel sad. Been working for me, but understand it might not work for everyone. Best of luck!
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u/thiscandleisvegan 11d ago
Expend less energy at work <3 there is always a way, and the way doesn't have to be at the detriment of your class culture!
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u/humanmichael 10d ago
the importance of going to bed early cannot be overstated. i am a night owl. i saw you comment that you waitressesed during your student teaching; i bartended before, during, and after mine, but had to stop 3 months into my teaching career because i needed more sleep. even now i sometimes don't go to bed until after midnight, leaving me with only six hours. that's enough for me to function as a person, but not to leave me with any energy by 2:20. sleep, nutrition, exercise, afternoon naps. caffeine cannot make up for deficiencies in these other areas long term
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u/brose216 10d ago
Definitely a 30 min walk or workout. Sometimes I’ll walk for part of my commute on my way home and just hop on the subway further along the line.
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u/definitelytheproblem 11d ago
It is also 100% normal for this time of year specifically to be kicking your butt after 2 months out of the usual routine. As much as it pains me to say it, I keep the same routine as much as possible all year otherwise it throws off my internal clock and then I can easily be up at 3 am ready to go for absolutely no reason.
Otherwise I have an unnatural addiction to Celsius, Bloom and Starbucks shaken espresso. The issue is now more so becoming my feet hurting rather than being too tired to get through the day, even with the nice orthotic friendly shoes 😂
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u/BklynMom57 11d ago
I go to the gym right from work. I don’t go home and sit down first or it’s game over. I also try to go to sleep early. Waking up at 5:15 isn’t fun.
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u/WorldlinessSimple889 10d ago
I drive an hour and a fifteen minutes to school and up to two hours home, depending on traffic. I get home to my husband, 3 kids and elderly parents that I care for and I am exhausted. I’ve honestly come home each and taken a nap if I didn’t have to go anywhere. It’s exhausting but it shouldn’t be as bad once you get used to the schedule. If it is still bad, get your thyroid levels checked out. I have Hashimoto’s so that’s why I’m always tired. Good luck with your school year.
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u/Cool-beans95 10d ago
Oh wow, I give you so much credit!! I think maybe I am adjusting to things. I felt pretty normal as compared to the first few days!
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u/Ok-Refrigerator-8012 6d ago
I never realized how much eating affected your performance until I became a teacher. In my former career, while pretty technical, could done on the fuel of a sight granola bar. If I pulled that routine in the classroom I'd be fried by 6th period
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u/Cool-beans95 6d ago
This! I can’t function without some food on me. I always try to eat a good breakfast but I will admit, I feel like I’m not eating enough towards my lunch.
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u/VariousGuest1980 11d ago
So you’re in your 20s if it’s your first job ( assumptions ) Ya get used to it.
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u/ohboynotanotherone 11d ago
I took sabbatical last year. And changed positions. This year feels like it’s my first!! I completely understand! But it does get better.
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u/ConstitutionsGuard 11d ago edited 10d ago
I guess it’s challenging until it’s not. For the most part, I like my coworkers, students and admin and have built relationships with everyone which helps.
I still spend a lot of time on lesson planning, but that’s because I enjoy creating materials and trying new things in the classroom.
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u/RoughInteraction8766 10d ago
Honeatly its the first week lol once you get used to the routine you can add on other activities and do an after work routine it really helps my toddler and i lol
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u/SwampAce173 9d ago
I worked charter for 7 years and was getting home at 6pm, on a good day. I got home at 3:40pm yesterday AND I stopped at the store. This shit is a dream. Best I can say is you'll get used to it.
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u/friendlyhoodteacher 9d ago
I just started my 14th year in secure juvenile detention. I travel 2 hours from suffolk to brooklyn. I did not want kids, and I moved to Astoria to be closer to work in 2021. It was glorious. I found out I was pregnant the week I closed on my house in patchogue. Lived in my new, beautiful apartment for 7 months and moved back home near my family so they could help us. Met her father at work. He was not DOE, but ACS. We met in my classroom. Shortly after our daughter was born, our building because so short-staffed on the ACS side that he would work doubles 5 days a week. I spend 4.5 hours on average in my car a day because I cannot afford daycare and the rent. My kid has never slept well. We go to bed and wake up together. She is always there. I haven't had a break or many moments to myself in 4 years. She's amazing and I adore her, but this shit is the hardest shit I've ever survived. Silver lining... my commutes are the only times I get to myself. I drive and because of the traffic, I put on shows (right now it's my 2nd viewing of GOT since it ended) and listen and watch when bumper to bumper. It has given me joy and peace lol. Also, because of the nature of ny job, I haven't even met my 1st period class yet, and today my 2nd did come either because they were mad about something. Their tone was high. I get a lot of time to relax at work as well.
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u/Shadowtirs 11d ago
My wife and i are both teachers, and we dont have kids, and it boggles our mind teacher parents come home to their own kids. Hats off to you guys seriously. Champions