I know it can be hard to set boundaries; with our own families, students, parents, employers, even with our friends. I have found that it’s easier to set boundaries when I know my own worth and have confidence in myself. You need your downtime to recharge, to turn off your brain and just sit without making a decision about your classroom, your family, your household. “No” is a full sentence, and it’s ok to use it.
For me personally, I don’t mind being at school after 2:30 (also because my son goes to Woodland so I’m stuck LOL). I have 45 minutes to get ready for the next day, send any emails, check in with colleagues I may not have seen during the day because they were with students. But once I leave, I don’t check my email, I don’t do work at home and I (try) to not think about work. Other people may have different strategies. Figure out what works for you. Reach out to your admin to ask them what they do to set boundaries and have work/life balance.
We got this!