Stress Center Peer Support

I have a very demanding job. I have an hr commute each way and work about 9 hrs a day... all in all work takes up about 11hrs of my day. By the time I try to squeeze in the gym or anything else other then work, its late by the time I get home, then I rush to eat dinner by 8pm then I'm asleep before I know it just to start all over again. I've been working really hard to find a fulfilling job and I found one with shorter hrs and only like 10 mins from my house!!! The other places I applied to were a bust, so I thought this was it. I had two interviews, thought it went well, tried really hard.... and I got the news today that they went with someone else.

I am SO angry and frustrated and bitter. I feel like I am going to spend the rest of my life driving to this job and working allllllll day at my desk. I don't know anyone out where I work (because it's far from my home) so I never go out for break. All my co-workers go home because they are all like 5 mins from the office so I can't hang with any of them. The work is becoming increasingly pressured and I just spent 10 mins in the bathroom crying.

I know life isn't fair sometimes... but I just hate when i try so hard to overcome my anxiety and put my life in the right direction and it just doesn't seem to happen for me...

sorry for the pity party... i am just beyond upset

Hi Starr,

This may not be what you want to hear at this time but maybe that job just really wasn't the right one for you. I am slowly learning that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I know this personally. I believe that's the message that God keeps screaming out to me and I'm not hearing it. Maybe slowly get to know one or two of your co-workers. Start conversations and who knows maybe you will have shared interest. Please know that meeting new people is so hard for me. It is very uncomfortable putting yourself out there but you never know until you try. You must find sometime to relax and do things you like to do. I really do know how hard this is,I am a school teacher and a mother of three small girls. When I read your story, I could picture myself in that bathroom crying. Reach out to your co-workers and don't give up.

Yvette

Starr,

Yvette is right. Make time for yourself whenever possible (a must) and don't give up.

I too worked for a very stressful insurance claims company with long hours and miserable conditions.

I too felt frustrated, and I am not blaming here, but do feel that I became extremely burnt out and stressed which pushed me to panic attacks earlier this year.

Since then, I have had alot of time to reflect, and if you are not happy, then change. Your health is worth more. Plan your money, and start saving. Clean up your resume and keep trying.

How about moving closer to work? That might free up daily time for you to take better care of yourself (exercise, etc) and may help you feel better.

First thing: Stop hammering yourself so hard....this is not a pity party...it's OK to be mad and disappointed....you are in a tough place....but what I see is someone who is hanging in there and being responsible and trying to find options....you cannot do more than that. I have been exactly where you are and I got just as frustrated and mad...but the key to the whole thing is consistency...and by that I mean consistently reminding yourself that you ARE doing what you can to change what you can.....don't beat yourself up....just give yourself time to shake this off and move on to the next thing....the job you want and need IS out there...and you WILL find it....but be patient with yourself.....

Take care.....

JChick