Burnout is real, and you’re not alone. Many ESL tutors face burnout (often quietly), juggling multiple roles such as working parents from home, students as part-time tutors, full-time tutors with various external priorities, while dealing with fatigue, disconnection, or doubt, even for the most passionate teachers. According to Bridge TEFL, burnout often stems from long hours, blurred work-life boundaries, and the emotional demands of teaching. And as RareJob tutors, many of us know this firsthand. When your energy dips and motivation fades, it’s easy to feel like you’re just going through the motions.

 

 

Teaching online with flexible work hours can be fulfilling, and as a RareJob tutor, you’re constantly helping learners grow, but on some days, that spark just feels harder to find. The enthusiasm becomes routine, and energy runs low even before class begins.

 

 

Burnout Isn’t Failure

The good news? Burnout isn’t failure; it’s a signal that something needs care. With small changes and self-compassion, you can reignite your passion and find joy in teaching again.

 

In this Scribble, we’ll explore five simple but powerful ways to reignite your passion for teaching without burning yourself out. Whether you’re in a rut or just need a little boost, these tips are here to support your spark:

 

 

1. Check in with yourself ✅

Before jumping into your next class or lesson prep, take a pause. Ask yourself: How am I doing today?  You can even rate yourself on a scale of 1-5.

 

Not every day has to be productive or “on.” You’re allowed to feel tired, uninspired, or even frustrated. What matters is acknowledging those emotions and responding with kindness. You can try journaling, using mood trackers, or even talking to a friend. These check-ins help you recognize early signs of burnout,  allowing you to address them before they grow.

 

💡 Tip: Keep a sticky note on your desk with a simple check-in question like, “What do I need right now to be okay?” This will remind you of the hope that your low feelings today can be solved.

 

2. Create small moments of joy 🤗

Not every lesson has to be perfect or perfectly serious. Sometimes, adding small moments of fun can make a big difference. Try a light “question of the day” segment or a cute knock-knock joke, riddle, or share an inspiring quote. If this becomes a regular thing, this could make your student feel excited to attend class, too.

 

My co-worker who used to teach told me how her student volunteered to deliver knock-knock jokes during one class. Among all the lessons she had conducted, that one session still stood out when I asked about her memorable experiences. Simply put, finding joy in the little things helps you stay connected and makes your classes even more meaningful.

 

💡 Tip: Try “What’s something that made you smile today?” as an opener. It’s great for building rapport and also a gentle check-in on how your student has been doing.

 

3. Connect with your “why” ⭐

Remember why you started tutoring in the first place, and why you’re still doing it. Was it only for flexibility? Is it more like a passion for the English language, or the satisfaction in imparting knowledge and wisdom among your students? Is it about being one in 34,000 Filipinos encouraging 10 million Japanese to speak fluent English? Is it the freedom to work at your own pace while enjoying being at home with your loved ones?

 

When days feel long, reconnecting with that original motivation can help ground you.

 

💡 Tip: Create a “feel-good folder” where you save screenshots of kind words from your students, proud milestone achievements, snapshots from your bonding moments with fellow RareJob tutors during tutor events, or anything that reminds you why you love tutoring. Looking back on them can boost your morale when you’re feeling unmotivated.

 

 

4. Calm down for a while 🙏🏼

Teaching from home makes it easy to power through nonstop. But doing back-to-back sessions without pause can quickly drain your focus and enthusiasm.

 

Permit yourself to pause. Schedule short breaks to breathe and reset. Stretch, pat your pets, bite into a bananacue, sip your boba, reapply your SPF, or just look away from your screen for a bit. These small acts may seem simple, but they help protect your energy and prevent burnout.

 

💡 Tip: Build a 10-minute “transition ritual” between classes. Play calming music, do a bit of deep breathing, stand and move around, or simply sit in silence. These mini resets can help you show up fresh for every student.

 

 

5. Chase what lights you up ✨

Sometimes, the best way to fall back in love with teaching is to reconnect with what inspires you, not just as a tutor, but as a human being with many interests outside your routines. Create a sketch or read something that sparks wonder. Watch a TED Talk that makes you nod and say, “Yes, this is why I teach.” Scroll through a feed that fuels, not drains, your curiosity.

 

Inspiration doesn’t always come in the form of a lesson plan. It might come from a beautifully written quote from Pinterest, a favorite anime, a quiet walk, a conversation, or a deep dive into Japanese culture you can later share with a student.

 

Staying inspired doesn’t mean being productive all the time. It means feeding your curiosity and creativity again.

 

💡 Tip: Post a photo, a quote, or even a cute selfie moment on your Facebook Group community. Sometimes, sharing the magic you create helps you see it more clearly, too.

 

 

You don’t have to “power through” all the time

 

Burnout isn’t the end; it’s a sign that you’ve given much, maybe too much, without refilling your own cup. If you’re in that place, know this: you’re not alone. You’re seen, appreciated, and still worthy even when you feel dim.

 

So, I hope this gift in the form of a short poem would be a gentle reminder for when the days feel heavy.