So I've decided my New Year Resolution is to leave work earlier. As a primary school teacher I'm fortunate enough to leave work by 4pm, and although I definitely have say 2 hours more work each evening, I find I am far more productive doing it at home as I faff at school. I end up doing nothing much, till 6pm when school closes, perhaps fiddling with a display or moaning with a colleague about all the work to be done (!), and then low and behold, I still have the work to be done at home.
Three days out of 5 I will leave school at 4pm.
And I have resolved to go to bed earlier. A lot of health and well-being is wrapped up in getting enough sleep and I need at least 8 hours in order to feel my best.
Two years ago, when I last had a class responsibility, rather than just teaching dance like last year, I ran myself into the ground. I worked at least 70 hour weeks and had about 5 hours sleep each night - I did not feel good and had a mini break down.
I'm managing far better this year but I still need to look after myself as work as a teacher can be addictive - the job is never finished.
Beauty sleep and a good work-life-balance - I'm looking forward to 2012.
Liz xxx
