The perception of teachers and nurses as endlessly resilient is a classic example of survivorship bias, according to Dr Jenny Andrew. Writing in response to a recent article by Gaby Hinsliff, Dr Andrew argues that those who cannot cope with the demands of these professions often leave, and their voices are not heard.
Dr Andrew, a former teacher who gave up her career after a severe burnout in her 20s, now works in trade union research. She says that while flexible working is challenging in schools, teaching jobs could be better designed if school leaders and politicians listened to those who leave.
She also calls for a dismantling of 'ideal worker' norms in UK politics, which she says impede access and diverse experience in national leadership. Dr Andrew wishes Green MP Carla Denyer a swift recovery and a managed return to work, noting that parliament needs more in-house experience of workplace burnout to lead improvements in employment policy.
