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While teaching a workshop for high school and collegiate administrators, deans and principals, author and speaker Tim Elmore posed the question "What changes do you plan to make this school year?" While passing through the discussion groups he heard one administrator say to his colleagues "I'm just biding my time until I retire in two years."
In an article sharing his account, Tim explains that no doubt, the man was likely exhausted after many years working at the school and he had "run out of gas."
- Didn't have it in him to make any effort to understand students today.
- Didn't have any more vision for creating a better future for his school.
- Didn't see the point in preparing the way for tomorrow's leaders.
Elmore continues by saying that often times our careers drift in the same direction. "Our work with students begins well. We are passionate about teaching them and building skills inside of them. We work at connecting with them and find creative ways to impart those 'lessons' we know they need. But over time, we get beat up. Our ideas fall on deaf ears. Our efforts aren't always rewarded by students who are hungry to learn... So, we stop trying so hard. We become frustrated and impatient when change happens slowly and eventually, we may even stop working to make positive change."
Working with students is noble and admirable. "The emerging generation is the best place to invest your time and energy. They represent the future, and while you can quickly find easier jobs, you likely won't find a more important one," Elmore wrote. "Don't ever forget the nobility of your work. You can rest later. Today, those students need what you have to offer. "
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