This past weekend, I came across a post on social media that caught my attention.
Someone considering a move into school leadership asked a simple but powerful question:
“Is there joy in the job?”
The responses poured in. Most were a resounding yes — with a few honest replies from individuals who, at least for now, aren’t feeling that joy. As I read through the comments, I reflected on my own journey and felt compelled to share my perspective. Here’s what I wrote:
“The best 15 years of my career were in leadership roles (assistant principal, principal, superintendent). The job is hard — but so is anything worth doing.
As for joy,
yes, there is joy in the work. You tend to see the negative come out in posts, rants, etc., but I found so much joy in building Relationships with staff, community members, and students. I found great joy in leading improvements, developing new programs, and celebrating kids for the amazing things they do. Like anything else, joy is there if you remind yourself to look for it.”
Leadership is demanding.
It’s messy. It’s emotional. It’s never “done.”
And yet, it’s also filled with some of the most deeply meaningful and joyful moments a professional can experience.
Here are just a few of the ways joy shows up in school leadership:
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of truly connecting with people.
Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation with a teacher, a parent stopping you in the parking lot to say thank you, or a student who lights up when they see you in the hallway — Relationships are the heartbeat of leadership, and they are a daily source of joy.
From kindergarteners proudly showing their first writing piece to seniors accepting college scholarships, celebrating students is pure, unfiltered joy.
You’re not just witnessing these moments; you helped create the environment where they could happen.
There’s a deep satisfaction in watching a vision come to life.
Implementing a new program, seeing an improvement in student outcomes, or finally getting a new initiative off the ground — these wins, big and small, are joyful reminders that your leadership matters.
Watching a teacher you mentored step confidently into their craft.
Seeing a student find their voice.
Recognizing that you are growing stronger, wiser, and more resilient with each challenge.
Leadership is a front-row seat to human development — and that is joyful work.
Sometimes it’s a silly dress-up day.
Sometimes it’s a powerful school assembly.
Sometimes it’s a tough conversation that ends with real understanding.
The magic isn’t rare — it’s everywhere, if you choose to see it.
Is leadership hard? Of course.
But the hard things — the things that stretch you, push you, demand your best — are the things that offer the greatest joy.
The truth is, joy in school leadership isn’t automatic.
It’s something you cultivate, nurture, and hold onto intentionally.
You find joy by focusing on Relationships.
You find joy by remembering your purpose.
You find joy by celebrating progress, not just perfection.
If you’re considering stepping into leadership, know this:
There is real, lasting joy in the work — if you remind yourself to look for it.
Your Next Steps: If you’re ready to lead with Clarity, alignment, and intentionality—let’s talk. I help school and district leaders overcome overwhelm, bring their teams together, and solve big problems without sacrificing the culture they’ve worked so hard to build. Connect with me at [email protected]
Send me a message or visit RoadToAwesome.net to start the conversation.
Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership”when I sit down with superintendent and new author Dr. Brandi Kelly to talk about her new book Lead with H.O.P.E.
yes, there is joy in the work. You tend to see the negative come out in posts, rants, etc., but I found so much joy in building 
