“Teaching is far from perfect. It’s messy, and in that mess is where you’ll craft your teaching and truly enjoy the journey.” – Lisa Dabbs
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I hate teaching!
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Not everyone is well suited to a position as an instructor or teacher. As you climb higher in grade it is expected of you to take up the mantle of teaching.
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But life is too short to do something that you don’t feel is the right fit. If teaching or instructing isn’t what you thought it would be, or you simply need a change, or feel it just isn’t for you, it’s okay to move on. It’s okay to validate those feelings instead of feeling wrong for them.
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If you find yourself thinking “I hate teaching” on a regular basis, it’s time to start considering making a change. It’s important to know that you don’t have to stay in the dojo as a teacher. Unfortunately, too many teachers end up staying doing something that they no longer are passionate about for various reasons, and it’s the students who end up suffering.
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Even if you thought teaching the martial arts would be your forever thing, it’s okay to look into different paths. Isn’t that supposed to be what the martial arts is all about, moving along different paths? Being a teacher or instructor is no different.
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It’s important that you understand WHY you are in a position that you think you hate. Why do so many teachers say; “I hate teaching,” but then never take action to make a change?
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Many aspiring instructors and teachers enter the dojo feeling like they’re finally doing what they’re meant to do with their life. They never really consider what would happen if it doesn’t all go as planned.
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And teachers often feel guilty about their decision to leave the dojo. Guilt is very real and can be very powerful. How many times have you heard, “But, you’re such a great teacher!” So, trust me. I know how heavily the guilt can weigh at times.
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Often people stay in the dojo teaching simply because they believe it’s their only option. It isn’t. How did you get there in the first place?….. Training. If you find yourself enjoying the workout more than the teaching, then go workout, train.
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The bottom line is if you find yourself thinking, “I hate teaching” on a regular basis, it’s time to do something about it. It doesn’t mean you are giving up. It just means you are prioritizing yourself.