Want to Quit? Me Too
Oct 22, 2025Click the play bar below to listen to this week's show now:
Show Notes:
There comes a moment when even the most passionate teachers whisper to themselves, “I don’t know if I can do this anymore". The exhaustion, the negative interactions, and the weight of it all can feel overwhelming. So if it feels like everything is piling up and becoming too much to handle, you’re not alone.
Truth time: today’s conversation is one I’ve never had before. It’s honest and raw, filled with real emotions as I unpack how someone’s negative comments can make you question your purpose. Speaking from personal experience, as both a former teacher and now a business owner, those harsh words made me question my work, my dedication, and whether what I do truly makes an impact.
While it’s easy to dwell on the negative (trust me, I have!), since that noise is often louder and takes up more space in your mind, I want you to do the opposite. In this episode, I share how shifting your mindset and focusing on the positive can help you regain control of your emotions - and why it’s so important to surround yourself with amazing people. These are the people who remind you of your worth, celebrate the good you’re doing, and won’t let you quit when things get tough.
Feeling like you want to quit doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve been giving your all, often while hearing more criticism than appreciation. Negative comments can sting deeply, especially when you’re already running on empty. But remember, they don’t define your worth or your impact. Take a breath, give yourself grace, and bring your focus back to the good you’re doing every single day because it matters more than the noise.
Inside this week's show, you'll learn:
- How negative comments and criticism from others can feel overwhelming and impact your mindset.
- Why the feeling of wanting to quit is normal and doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a teacher.
- The importance of maintaining a positive mindset and surrounding yourself with supportive, uplifting people when dealing with negativity.
- A reminder to show yourself compassion and give yourself grace during difficult moments.
Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:
- R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy vs. The Classroom Management Club Informational Page
- Beginning Teacher Talk on YouTube
- Grab a copy of my book, Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do: Your 5-Step R.E.A.D.Y. for School Roadmap for Elementary Classrooms
- Lung Cancer Free: One Couple’s Journey Through a “Lungs in a Box” Double Lung Transplant.
- Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card by leaving a review for Beginning Teacher Talk on Apple Podcasts!
- Follow Dr. Lori on Instagram
- Follow Dr. Lori on Facebook
- Follow Beginning Teacher Talk on TikTok
I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.
💛 Lori
Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor
Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy and The Classroom Management Club, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast Beginning Teacher Talk and author of Dear New Teacher, Here's Exactly What to Do, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com.
Want to listen on a different platform? Here are the links:
Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts.
Click here to listen on Spotify.
Click here to listen on YouTube.
Click here to listen on iHeart Radio.
Click here to listen on Audible.
Click here to listen on other apps.
Related episodes you might enjoy:
- When You Want to Quit
- Should I Quit Teaching in 2022? 4 Questions to Ask Yourself
- How to Reframe Negative Thoughts (And Why It’s Important)
- How to Handle Critical, Angry Parents when Teaching Online
Follow:
Are you following my podcast? I release fresh, new content every single week and I don't want you to miss out! 💛 Click here to follow on Apple Podcasts.
Leave a Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you are loving the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave me a review over on Apple Podcasts or on Audible. Each time you leave a review, Apple Podcasts or Audible recommends my podcast to other new teachers so they feel a little less alone as they navigate their first few years of teaching.
To leave a review on Apple Podcasts, just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know how this podcast is helping you inside your classroom!
To leave a review on Audible, just click here. Under "More Options" you can select "Write a review." I so appreciate your support in helping me get the word out to new teachers around the world.