High Functioning or Just Holding It Together?

7 Truths Educators Need to Hear Right Now

In schools, being high functioning often earns praise. You’re on time. You respond to emails. You juggle priorities and probably still manage a smile in the staffroom. But let’s not confuse functioning with flourishing. 

Because if you’re secretly exhausted, emotionally drained, and disconnected from what really matters — that’s not high functioning. That’s surviving with a brave face. 

It’s time to rethink what “doing well” actually means. 

Here are 7 signs it might be time to rewrite your definition of success: 

1.  It’s not high functioning if you’re constantly cranky with the people you love. 
   Snapping at your partner or kids the minute you walk through the door isn’t normal. It’s a red flag — not a badge of honour. 
2.  It’s not high functioning if you keep saying no to your life. 
   If your work wins every time and your relationships, hobbies, and joy get pushed aside… that’s not balance. That’s burnout. 
3.  It’s not high functioning if your body is screaming and you’re ignoring it. 
   Tight shoulders, migraines, stomach knots? These aren’t “just part of the job.” They’re warning bells — and you’re allowed to listen. 
4.  It’s not high functioning if your mind never switches off. 
   Lying in bed spiralling through lesson plans and unread emails? That’s not commitment — that’s captivity. 
5.  It’s not high functioning if you rely on caffeine to function and wine to relax. 
   This isn’t about enjoying a flat white or Friday bevvy — it’s about needing them just to cope. That’s a sign, not a solution. 
6.  It’s not high functioning if you're never really present. 
   Always half-there, scrolling, planning, thinking ahead? The people in your life deserve more. You deserve more. 
7.  It’s not high functioning if your self-worth is tied to your productivity. 
   You are not your to-do list. You are allowed to rest. You are worthy, even when you’re not “achieving.” 

Let’s be honest — you can look fine on the outside and be falling apart on the inside. 

And while schools may never slow down, you can pause. 
You can stop equating burnout with dedication. 
You can choose a definition of success that doesn’t cost your health, your joy, or your life. 

Because being a good teacher should never mean becoming a ghost in your own story. 

Here’s to being truly well, not just high functioning.