Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan get real about the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories from the trenches - especially those early years as ECTs. From toxic school cultures and impossible workloads to the importance of setting boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughs for teachers everywhere.

Whether you’re a new teacher navigating your first leadership role, or a seasoned pro with your own staff room horror stories, this one’s for you. We cover everything from glue stick shortages and folder drama to the power of saying no, the value of unions, and why every teacher needs to protect their wellbeing. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own tales from the classroom!

Timestamps & chapters below 👇

00:00 - Welcome Back & New School Year Vibes

00:27 - ECTs, Assistant Heads & Toxic School Cultures

02:41 - Early Career Struggles: Saying Yes & Being Overworked

06:29 - Leadership Roles, Delegation & Staff Room Stories

09:52 - Folder Drama, Mentors & Surviving Inspections

23:49 - Power Trips, Staff Turnover & School Politics

27:09 - Boundaries, Burnout & Learning to Say No

32:57 - Advice for New Teachers: Red Flags & Self-Protection

35:46 - Final Thoughts: Unions, Support & Listener Shoutouts

36:59 - Outro & How to Reach Us