I asked my other part time job (teaching psychology at a local college) if they could toss me an extra class from time to time to make up the difference, and they were happy to do so. I've been teaching some freshmen orientation classes from time to time. Teaching involves very little stress, and is fun and energizing for me.
I cannot begin to tell you how my quality of life has improved. I'm happy to take this step back from working in the mental health community to regroup. I'm sure I'll return at some point - I can never seem to stay away for too long because it's part of my nature that I always want to help. But this time? This time I chose to help myself instead.
Readers, do you have a time lately when you put yourself first?
I have too much time to put myself first. So much so that it's boring and irritating... I'd rather write instead. Which I suppose, in a way, IS putting myself first, lol.
ReplyDeleteI find that taking time out is hard when my work is all home based, but yesterday afternoon I did just that....told myself that I was not going to let the demands of running a home, and a smallholding, and a writing career get on top of me, and that for just one hour I was going to blank out all those demands and rest. Wow, it was great! Gonna try and do that every day for myself. It made me feel very pampered!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how you were doing it all, sounds like a good move. It is good that a teacher has real world experience, some of the best ones I had in college were experienced while some of the biggest duds had never done anything but achieved academic credentials and not applied what they had learned other than to teach.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I'm glad you enjoy teaching and I bet you're good at it. It's good that you helped yourself--we really can't help others if we are drained.
ReplyDeleteMy newspaper job was taking a toll on me. So it was a good change for me to take the county job. It also pays a significant amount more, which helped the stress too.
I was in the same boat when I went back for a bit. It is hard to shake the stress mental health offers. I still remember all I worked with.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to get some extra teaching. I do think it would be stressful to work in a mental health facility, absolutely an emotions tugger.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to take some time off to refresh yourself.
ReplyDeleteSometimes leaving a job is exactly the right way to go. I left my 911 dispatching job about a month ago and have absolutely zero regrets. And the cool thing is, I quit not having anything lined up and within minutes of resigning, I heard from the park service....so I'll be going back there in April. Enjoying the break!
ReplyDeleteThis is life, it's supposed to be amazing and full of things we love to do :) And who knows what the teaching job at the college could lead to now that you have more time to devote there.
I was a counselor and case manager for 14 years. It was difficult and draining work for low pay. I found the environment both professional and clients leaked over into my personal space in a way I did not like. Too much analysis and some staff with their own psychological problems. I don't miss it.
ReplyDeleteI admire you for thinking of your family first.. So many people don't (or can't) do that. I was one who HAD to work fulltime when my kids were little. My hubby at the time didn't make much money --and we NEEDED my salary to make ends meet... It was hard --but we did what we had to do... Glad you were able to pick up some more classes to teach...
ReplyDeleteProud of you!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
I used to do some volunteer work with some young women who were mentally ill. I found my tranquility level increased as well when I lessened the load somewhat like you did.
ReplyDeleteThey still called me for months though so I had to change my number :)
Proud of my baby girl. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood for you, sweet Lisa. I'm glad you're not stepping away entirely, and will instead be doing what you love. I'm sure you are an excellent teacher! :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
I commend you for a) realizing the effect it had on you and b) doing something about it.
ReplyDeleteI committed to going full-time salary this year. I am not happy. BUT...it helps me to help my daughter in a very expensive college and my son with his student loans. This is what I sacrificed when I made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom all those years ago. I will do this for awhile, then quit or go part-time again.
I recently took a day off from work as a "mental health day." Unfortunately, I ended up using the day to clean the house and get caught up on chores. Time is way too precious. I agree that sometimes we need to regroup and cut out the parts of our lives that are causing too much stress. I'm thinking about going on a retreat with my husband this summer. Maybe it will actually happen...
ReplyDeleteGood for you ,,,,,
ReplyDeleteI see the words by your shoes,,, Its a good word,, a needed word,,
a healing word,,
It was wise for you to listen to your heart.
love
tweedles
It's great that you have a less stressful job. After all, you have the boys who require a lot of attention so you need to have strength.
ReplyDeleteMy job is teaching. I'm stressed this year. I think it's the batch of students. Plus our enrollment is down, and I feel like I have to keep the student a float. When normally if they don't try I'd let them sink.
ReplyDeleteYou reminded me of my Fieldwork Practicum as a Psychology major: two years as a suicide and crisis intervention counselor. Oddly enough, I never stressed out. But as most people do in that environment, I burned out. So, I'm very happy for you. A very smart move. Hope it brings many smiles!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Sounds like you made a great decision for yourself and your family. I recently said no to something at work-which is unusual for me, but once I said no I felt empowered somehow LOL! So when they said its only one night a week I was able to say no again. The second no came way easier than the first one.
ReplyDelete