In this paper, we explore the circumstances leading to an elementary teacher's decision to leave the profession. We analyse her accounts of eleven years of teaching using a storyline technique and a framework provided by the five aspects of teacher self-understandings (Kelchtermans, 2009). We also analyse the interplay between vulnerability, micro-political literacy and self-understanding. We suggest that particular types of perception can predispose teachers to high levels of vulnerability. We suggest that teachers need to consider reaching an understanding of their personal giving capacity in teaching contexts in order to manage vulnerability and negative impact of self-understanding.