“It Was Too Much”: Woman Explains Why She Quit Teaching Entirely

• A woman speaking about her decision to leave teaching sparks discussion about the pressures educators face
• The video highlights frustrations many teachers experience while trying to balance responsibility and expectations
• Conversations about the challenges of working in education continue to surface online, as Mzansi weighs the pros and cons
• Briefly News spoke to Bongeka Mthiyane and Rethabile Lebenya, both teachers, who shared insight into the realities many educators face behind the scenes

Her story captures a sentiment many educators quietly share, raising questions about whether the teaching profession receives enough support.

A woman opened up about her decision to leave the teaching profession in a TikTok video posted by @rebaonemaiine on 12 January 2026. In the clip, she explained that the pressures of being a teacher eventually became overwhelming. She said the responsibility placed on educators was often unfair, especially when teachers were expected to carry the full burden if learners failed their subjects.

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According to her, teachers are sometimes held accountable for results even though they are not the ones writing exams. She gave an example of how educators are often told they are responsible for the success or failure of an entire subject. The situation, she said, made the job extremely demanding and stressful.

Teaching pressures spark conversation

Teaching has long been recognised as one of the most demanding professions in South Africa. Educators often deal with large classrooms, administrative work and pressure to produce good results. Many teachers on social media say the expectations placed on them can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The video by user @rebaonemaiine resonated with many viewers online. Some people sympathised with her decision and said teachers deserve more support. Others shared their own experiences working in education, saying the pressure can become difficult to manage over time.

Teacher Bongeka told Briefly News that burnout remains one of the biggest challenges in the profession.

“Burnout is a big issue among teachers. Heavy workloads, lack of resources, and tough classrooms all contribute to it. Support from management, parents, and having adequate resources can really make a difference.”

She added that many people don’t fully understand the emotional demands that come with teaching.

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“People underestimate the emotional toll of teaching. It’s not just about lessons — it’s about building relationships, managing behaviour, and supporting learners’ wellbeing. Teachers often go the extra mile with extra classes and even working during holidays.”

According to her, more support and recognition could help retain teachers in the profession.

“More support staff, manageable classes, and opportunities for growth would help. Recognition and better pay would also mean a lot.”

Rethabile on the other hand echoed similar sentiments, saying burnout is something many educators experience at some point in their careers.

“Burnout is very common among teachers. It often comes from heavy workloads, large class sizes, administrative pressure, and the emotional demands of supporting learners.”

She explained that the work teachers do goes far beyond what people see.

“People outside the profession often underestimate the emotional and mental labour involved. Beyond teaching, we manage classroom dynamics, support learners with different needs, communicate with parents, and sometimes even act as mentors or social workers.”

Rethabile believes better support systems could make a real difference in helping teachers stay in the profession longer.

“Smaller class sizes, mentorship opportunities that focus on emotional wellbeing, access to mental health support, and more realistic workload expectations from management would help a lot.”

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Despite the challenges, she noted that passion still plays a role in why some educators continue.

“Teaching is a calling. Those who truly love it find ways to keep going despite the obstacles.”

Check out the TikTok video below:

Here’s how Mzansi reacted

The Black Sheep wrote:

“It’s all about passion. If your heart is not in teaching, you will have a problem with everything about being a teacher. Most people went into teaching because of the high unemployment rate.”

Charity asked:

“What other jobs can we do with this qualification? I’m asking because I got sick and now I’m wheelchair-bound. Honestly, I don’t see myself going back there, but where else can I go? What else can I do? I’m so stressed.”

Mihlayonke wrote:

“I realised during my teaching practice that I wouldn’t manage as a teacher. I completed the qualification, but I’m not motivated at all.”

Mthora_1427 asked:

“I’m a student doing my BEd degree, and my subjects are Business Studies and Economics, but I want to add English and Maths Lit. The challenge is that I don’t know how and where to start. Can someone help me with information?”

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Mrs M wrote:

“I wish I could do the same. I went on maternity leave last September, and I felt relief after handing over my work laptop, jacket and access card. I’m due to return at the end of this month, and I’m incredibly stressed about it. I honestly don’t want to go back, but my family advises me not to quit. I’ve been applying for other jobs and hoping something better comes along. I ended up in the hospital during my first trimester because of stress.”

Your highness wrote:

“I understand your frustration. Having to teach children, forcing knowledge into their brains over and over again, and dealing with their characters. You end up becoming everything to them.”

Lmao wrote:

“I’m working at a preschool. In the interview, they didn’t tell me they take special-needs kids. Now I have to take care of 30+ kids and one extra child who is special. He can’t talk or tell me when he wants the toilet, so I have to change his diaper and feed him. I’m so tired, but I told myself to push through and register for a new course. I’m leaving teaching for good. Surprisingly, I love helping this boy, but I wish they had told me earlier.”

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Bee King wrote:

“Back in the day, teaching in high school was a status, but now everyone runs to teach at the primary level.”

Isaac wrote:

“It’s day one, and already accounting session plans are on the cards for the 2025 results. Why can’t we start the year with a clean slate? It’s day one, and I’m already stressed. I even thought about resigning.”

3 Other Briefly News stories about teachers

• The Western Cape Department of Education suspended a teacher accused of humiliating a learner, sparking reactions on social media.
• A South African teacher working in China filmed a heartwarming exchange in which his young learner enthusiastically requested a lesson in the Setswana language.
• A maths teacher's dance moves captured attention at Maphephetha Secondary School in KwaZulu-Natal, and Mzansi fell in love with him.

Source: Briefly News