The Lie I Tell Myself to Get Through the Week

Thanks to Eric Fulton for this writing prompt. Eric is the geo- tracking mastermind of Eric Fulton’s blog. If you haven’t seen his blog yet, check it out!

What lie do you tell yourself to get through the week?

Before I answer this, let me be clear: I love my job. I cannot imagine myself working in any other field. But the lie I tell myself to get through the week is that what I’m doing right now—the specific tasks on my to-do list—is “important.”

The Digital Divide

It’s a difficult thing to admit. I love teaching, but I currently work at an alternative school where the curriculum is entirely online. It is essentially a credit recovery program. While I grade assignments and help students navigate digital lessons, there is no direct instruction. I am, for all intents and purposes, a glorified computer lab supervisor.

I feel professionally stifled. Last year, I had a 50/50 split between online courses and traditional, teacher-led instruction. I didn’t mind that balance. But this year, the “human” element of the pedagogy has been replaced by a screen.

“I’ve Been Everywhere, Man”

To borrow from Johnny Cash, “I’ve been everywhere, man.” I’ve taught in Charter schools and Private schools. I spent half a year in a Catholic school and years in the Public system. I’ve worked in high-pressure urban environments where every day was a battle for survival, rural outposts, and now a suburban setting where the students have every perk imaginable.

What I’ve realized across all those zip codes and settings is that a teacher needs to feel like an architect, not a babysitter.

The Humanity in the Machine

The truth is, I do make a difference—but it isn’t through the software. It’s in those “off-the-clock” moments when a student confides in me or when I can be the one stable adult in a building full of kids who have “stuff” going on. That’s the work that matters, even if it’s not in the job description.

Navigating the Bridge Era

I’m currently in a “bridge era.” This season is teaching me that I’m ready to stop maintaining the machine and start building the empire again. Unless things change dramatically for next year, I won’t be returning to this specific role. I know I would flourish in a traditional, face-to-face classroom setting. Until then, I’ll keep telling myself the lie to get through the week, while I quietly plan my next move.

Today’s post is inspired by the WordPress Daily Prompt. While I’ve taken the topic in my own direction for the Road to 1,000 Days, you can find more responses to today’s prompt HERE .

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The article “The Lie I Tell Myself to Get Through the Week” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob

One response to “The Lie I Tell Myself to Get Through the Week”

Aarav

February 13, 2026

This hit real, makes the weekly grind feel way more honest than usual.

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