Burnout 1

[franzh]

What is the shelf life for a technical instructor? I have been doing this for close to 20 years now.

I am expected to stay on top of the technical industry, "cutting edge" on technology, then teach it to the technical users. I am recognized as an expert in my field and enjoy a bit of notoriety! Since the curriculum doesnt exist, I have to write most of it and submit it for approval. What comes back bares little resemblance to what I submitted but it is the core for my lectures. I do teach a number of subject variants based around the core of my profession, plus several industry regulatory compliance classes.
Speaking of lectures, I have to conduct a minimum of two 8 hour lectures per week, frequently more than that. About 75% of my audiences are there because the have to (to keep their credentials active) and a small fraction of the balance are there becasue they really want to. As a result, my classes border on trying to keep them awake, keep me awake, keep them interested, and still teach them something new.
What's next?
I am paid reasonably well for what I do, but not as much as I would like. I have some flexibility and like who I work for.
What can I (make that "us") do to keep us on top while avoiding burnout? I am sure I am not alone. I am just "past mid life crisis" age, but not past the symptoms and desires.
Franz

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[zdas04]

franzh,
Those two 8-hour lectures a week, how much is from a stack of canned talks and how much do you have to come up with as new material? I may be anal, but I always figure about 10 hours work to come up with one hour of quality lecture so I have to figure most of it is off the shelf.

I have a canned class that I've put on almost 200 times over the last 12 years. At 50 times, I was starting to phone it in so I made a rule that at least once a quarter I'd go in search of new examples, new side art, or new statistics. Changing one or two slides in a stale presentation makes a huge difference to me as the instructor. This is a safety talk so a number of people have seen it several times (one guy said he had sat through it 15 times! Thankfuly he also said he got something new from it every time) and I often get good comments from repeat students that the new material helped clarify the issues.

A friend of mine has an 8 hour talk that he gives several times a year and he hasn't changed a single slide in the last 8 years. He hates having to give the talk and I don't know of anyone who willing sits through it more than once--he has all the knowledge in the world and the enthusiasm of soap suds.

Either stir your talks up or go out and buy a frivolous vehicle (mine was a Land Rover) and recharge yourself that way.

David

 

[jmw]

Good points Zdas04,
I have prpared many presnetations for company training and have yet to give the same presentation twice.
I usuually try to stay involved with my own presentations and frequently find that i can say something in a better way the next time.

The real variety in presentations and talks is generated by the interaction between the presenter and the audience. If that interaction isn't there, then everyone is bored.

I'd probably die if i gave the same presentation to often but i do wonder about a presentation that the presenter thinks is still valid after 8 years. Even history changes and must be kept current.

JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com

 

[IRstuff]

Franz,
Two questions to be answered:

> What else are you doing to fullfil yourself?
> Do you REALLY want to continue teaching the same class?

TTFN

 

[franzh]

I cannot change the class because it is a certification class. Once it has been approved, I cannot change the core content, but do add some material to illustrate issues.

I generate about 30% of the raw material for the lecture, but am able to present it in the manner in which I feel the most comfortable (I use Powerpoint and use it as a talking point, not a word essay).

I teach about 6 different classes, this one in particular the most tedious.

What do I do to fulfill my time? I want to go home and work on my Mustang, play with the grandkids, and so on. Out children are parents themselves now. I have traveled extensively but do enjoy traveling to new places.
More later, time to go talk.
Franz

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[fel3]

franzh…

Several years ago I put together a 3-hr leader training course for a church youth program ("Awana" for those who wonder). At the end, there is a test the leaders take to get certified. Like zdas04, I periodically update a slide or two, add new examples, etc. This may sound silly, but what seems to keep their interest the best is that every half dozen slides or so I ask some review questions and the first people to answer correctly get Jolly Ranchers (candy) thrown to them. Not only are they more attentive, but it keeps my pitching arm in shape I also try to mix humor (I like puns) and seriousness.

 

[gontek]

Its never too late to learn how to fly - I say fuel the fire. A new outlook may give you a new, better perspective. I am a student pilot and I always look forward to my next flying lesson. I have found several ways to incorporate my flying experiences & lessons into my career, and I'm not even in the aero industry anymore really.

Other than that, 20 years is probably the better half of your career now I guess, and from the sound of it, you must feel slightly "pigeon holed". Now it the last chance before you may be too seasoned to start your own business in consulting or training, take a risk and possibly make more money and have more satisfaction. Sounds like you have built a solid foundation and reputation. 20 years is a long time to be doing the same thing, which is commendable, but don't most of us engineers change careers once or twice?

 

[franzh]

Many thanks for the heartfelt remarks, everyone eventually will be in a position where they feel that they are ineffective (at least to themselves) due to burnout.
I have been teaching for almost 20 years, representing an industry for almost 38 (thats a scary thought!). Only for the last 4 or 5 years have I felt like I am going nowhere, and getting there fast.
The primary course I teach is for industry (in Texas) certification, and I teach an average of 8 classes per month, plus my other research and project evaluation modes. I do receive offers from other companies, some serious, some I feel are just to remove me from their competition. I do like who I work for, who I represent, and the rare student whose eyes sparkle and burns pencil and paper with notes when I strike something they like to hear.
I break my classes every hour or so to stretch, hand out "gimmees" for good answers, toss in anecdotal stories, like to keep humor alive, take a one hour lunch break (they may not want it but I do) and strongly encourage student participation and interaction. My after-class evaluations are always the top in my department so I must be doing something right.
One point to consider; I have been doing this one particular class for quite a while, but I rarely encounter a return student, so they all assume it is fresh materia. But to me, its old stuff and VERY boring.

Franz

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[bandraoi]

You could write the book, and sell it?

 

[jmw]

Swap courses with someone else for a while and present their material and they yours?
I know that only works if you both have similar experience but just happen to teach different elements, but maybe there is another teacher just like you who is slowly climbing the wall.

PS
I normally try to keep alert for who is going to sleep, and try to take remedial action, especially during afternoon sessions after a liquid lunch.
But once it was me who fell asleep! (fortunately I was sitting down at the time)


JMW

http://www.ViscoAnalyser.com