Hold them or fold them

Lately, I’ve heard people telling other people not to give up.  Sports analogies abound. The saying, “If at first you don’t succeed…” is engraved into our psyches.  So how do we know when to give up?  If you are burned out as a teacher or administrator, carefully try to see if there’s anything you can meaningfully change from your position.  Try to fix it, and after you’ve given it more than one try and you cannot see it getting better under these circumstances, start looking for another position. Whoever you will help when your are  feeling respected and valued will be far better off than those you are trying to help from a place of burn out and frustration.  There are many educational positions out there.  Politely and positively give your notice, and enjoy the future. As the great Kenny Rogers teaches, you gotta know when to hold them, know when to fold them…