I succeeded in leaving a hated job. So why do I feel down?

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Charlie Brown
Posts: 442
Joined: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:56 pm

Post by Charlie Brown » Thu Oct 09, 2008 8:56 am

Sorry, this is long.

Tuesday I resigned from a hated job. The way the resignation went and how I imagined it would be was just that. I was strutting and on almost on a high. It felt great. (I start the new job--in behavorial health--on Monday.) Since Tuesday night I have been fighting anger, fatigue, lack of energey, lack of interest in a personal project I had planned, and depression/sadness.

Three things appear to set off the emotions. One: my bank calling me 4 TIMES TUESDAY to let me know I am 18 days late on a loan. 18 days!?! Last year I was in the same boat and they never called 4x in a day--they never called at all. Back then they just doubled the next month's bill. Tuesday's calls were the 2nd round: last week they called me again 4x in day and I told them I was a little financially tight, I am not trying to skirt my obligation, and said I had to pay my rent. Heck, I even gave them my monthly rent amount. Tuesday night I did not pick up the call, wanting to talk to them the next day.

Also Tuesday night my wife did some minor things which added "wood to the fire." She is at her mom's to take her to a dr's appointment. I told my wife Tuesday afternoon I would call her after The Simpsons and tell her about the day. She said she had to run an errand for her mom so I figured this was fine. The show starts at 7 PM; she calls at 7:01. I reminded her twice I said I would call her after the show. She was ok with this. I have to say it really gets on my last nerve when I tell her something and she doesn't do/does it wrong/etc.

When I called her after the show, this pest that lives next door started up again. He is my third apparent reason for my current dilemma. He is always yelling and cursing at his ex wife (or girlfriend). I am SO TIRED of his loud tantrums. I was beginning to happily recant to my wife my glorious exit when I commented on how the mutt (my nickname for him) was acting up. She interrupted me asking me if I was feeling down. I snapped back at her, "Do you want to hear my story or not?!" Then I told her I would call her back later (because I was annoyed at her and I didn't want to say anything offbase).

By this time, all the emotions I mentioned are in full swing. I couldn't believe how such a great start to the day--and achieving leaving my job which I have wanted for almost a year--was turning out so crappy. When I am like this, I usually don't want to talk to anyone and if it is night-time, I just want to sleep. I wanted to catch some of the Presidential debate and go to bed. An hour after I spoke to my wife I left her a message on her mom's phone machine I was tired, cranky, didn't feel good (I was also coming off a bad cold) and would be going to bed. I would talk to her in the morning. I thought to myself, "Watch she calls me back." Sure enough 45 minutes later she did. I wasn't as annoyed as before but I still was. "Didn't you get my message?" I asked. She said no because her brother was on the phone. That is wrong because I left the message and never got a busy signal. I said, "You didn't get the message, did you?" She started fumbling for words. "Go listen to the message" I told her and she apologetically agreed. I watched some of Obama-Mccain and went to bad.

Yesterday morning, the bank calls me again. I called them back saying I would take out my CD, from that pay them their money and after my last direct deposit from the old job, I would call close all my accounts which gave them positive cash flow. I also commented on how their letter in one paragraph said I could tell them if I was having financial problems and then in the next paragraph they mention about going to collection. I also mentioned of the similar time from last year and now they are hounding me more than a credit collection agency. I told them I would make the payment today (meaning yesterday). Don't you know an hour later I zipping up my jacket to leave for the bank, and their collection department calls. I asked the girl what the hell did she want since I just called to say I was making a payment and to get me off their call list. She said she would.

Yesterday afternoon all I wanted to do was sleep. I couldn't on my own and it took me 4 small pieces of Ambien to finally sleep...for three hours. Yesterday evening for the most part was good. I had a great conversation with my wife. Then towards the end of the night I started getting all the negative feelings so I went to bad on my own (without Ambien.)

I woke up early today feeling better but then got another call from the bank :mad:. I started getting all those emotions and even a little ill-will at my wife. (I don't know why but my mind started recalling an alteration she made in the apartment a couple of months ago which I wasn't thrilled with.) I called the bank and asked to speak to manager. They said they could not transfer me but would have a manager call me back. No call back yet. I took a hour nap late in the morning, felt better for a little while, and then the emotions--especially annoyance, fatigue, and lack of interest in my project--came about.

I have 3 days off--5 including the upcoming weekend--and instead of enjoying the time, I am battling depression, fatigue and the rest. And I feel bad about how I feel.

:?

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:53 pm

Charlie Brown,

Do you feel bad about how you feel or about how you react?

I too have seen my depression and anxiety turn into anger which often gets directed at the people I love the most (namely my fiance). It nearly destroyed our relationship as I became more and more anxious (therefore angry) over how much more of my attitude he could take.

This program helped me recognize that the depression and anxiety made me feel out of control so I would take that energy and turn it into anger. Because even though I didn't have control over my anger, it made me feel like the 'power' was back in my hands.

Sounds to me like you felt great about taking 'control' over your job situation, but after the calls from the bank started you began to feel out of 'control' because you were unable to solve the problem immediately.

While I'm sure your wife, like my fiance, is not perfect, they deserve credit and respect for putting up with us while we work out our issues. Maybe you can try asking yourself a question before you react to her 'doing things wrong'...what is more important, making sure my wife knows I love her even with her forgetful and flawed nature or expressing the anger I'm feeling? I mean, seriously...is watching the Simpson more important than her? I know it can feel like it at the time because you specifically told her you'd call afterwards, but really, it's just a show and based on the fact that you were watching it on a Tuesday at 7pm, it was a repeat - I watch my fair share ;)

Anyway, I found that just by being able to curb my angry reactions towards my fiance, which was easier than I though once I started asking myself those little questions before any words come out of my mouth, has really helped me deal with my anger in other areas of life (except for maybe my sister right now...but i'm working on that).

I hope this doesn't upset you, but coming from an outsider, it sounds like you really take a lot out on her that she doesn't deserve and that may be making you feel even worse.

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Oct 09, 2008 2:06 pm

goodwillchic,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.
based on the fact that you were watching it on a Tuesday at 7pm, it was a repeat - I watch my fair share
:D

You did well improving your situation with your fiance. My compliments.

Right now I feel no depression, fatigue, etc. It started wearing off around 4:30.

I DID feel bad this morning because "the shoe was on the other foot" and I knew it. She had a dr's appointment to see why her cold is lingering. She had told me the time and I called this morning--forgetting the time of her appointment :roll:. When my father-in-law told me had left for the dr, that's when I realized this was pretty much like me with The Simpsons scenario.

I was annoyed partially because of the interuption of my TV time but it was more that she didn't listen to /didn't remember what I said--that I would call her. I cannot stand when people don't listen/follow directions/have to have things repeated 3-4x to them. (Yes, I know of the dr's appointment-Simpsons connection, and also I am guilty of doing the same things I hate in others.) Another example with her is if she is going food shopping and she buys a substitute for something I wanted but they didn't have. I'll get annoyed because I didn't want the substitute--she just should not have bought anything if the origial desired item was no in the store.

In all honesty, I probably could count on a hand, may a hand and a half stuff like the Simpsons or the shopping thing occurs in a year. And most of the time after I express my displeasure, I feel bad afterward because she is such a wonderful woman and has the complete opposite (and better) atttiude about things like this.

What bothers me, and is an example of her better attitude is she will think nothing of muting her shows when I want to say something. (I try not to interrupt her in the same way I would not to be interrupted.)

Arghhhh! I am fighting anger and depression during a time I should be enjoying the break between jobs and doing things I want to do. But nooooo, my emotions got to get in the way! :mad:

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat Oct 11, 2008 8:08 am

I COMPLETELY feel your frustration because my fiance is also like the complete opposite of me.

For example, we are both afraid of heights. A few years ago he was with a friend who wanted to go cliff diving. I would have gone, but stayed safely at the bottom and watched. Mike on the other hand climbed up to this 80 foot cliff and jumped off with little hesitation.

People like us let our emotions dictate our actions while people like your wife and my fiance seems to understand that their feelings are just that...feelings.

It can be very difficult living with someone who is like a mirror. When I look at Mike, I see what life could be like and how I'm letting my insecurities and emotions are stop me from enjoying life the way he does...I see all my flaws. On a really good day, he inspires me. On a lot of other days I just feel crappier about myself. Lamenting, why..oh why can't I be more like him?

Fortunately, this program is helping me have more and more good days. There's no reason you and I can't be free. Some day we'll realize the chains of our emotions aren't holding us down, we're holding onto them and we'll just let go.

I have more to say...but I need to go to the store. Talk to you soon Charlie Brown.

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat Oct 11, 2008 9:19 am

I COMPLETELY feel your frustration because my fiance is also like the complete opposite of me.
Thanks.

My compliments to Mike. He went cliff diving despite his fear.
People like us let our emotions dictate our actions while people like your wife and my fiance seems to understand that their feelings are just that...feelings.
You got that right.

Try and not look at Mike and see how life could be. Be grateful you have a guy who can help you with your weak points and give balance in your life. That's how I am with my wife. Once in a while, I wish I could have her attitudes but for the most part I am happy to have her as a balance (kind of like ying and yang.) I do sometimes envy her family because hers is much more calmer than mine.

I literally spent most of my life envying others (especially other guys.) I can remember doing it in grade school and in my 20s. (I am 43.) Now I sometimes feel this when I see other guys richer, driving a Porsche, in a lovely house, etc.
Some day we'll realize the chains of our emotions aren't holding us down, we're holding onto them and we'll just let go.
;)
I have more to say...but I need to go to the store.
Thanks for sharing.

Thankfully since yesterday I have been much better. I feel happy and don't feel all those negative emotions. Yesterday I was for just a little bit starting to think, "This is the way I should have felt the last 2 1/2 days." I avoided this. I started learning to lay off myself two months ago.

I went in late August to a Yankee game. I wanted to go to see one last game before they tear down the old stadium and also as a mental distraction from all the negative I was experiencing at work and looking for different work. In terms of mental distraction, it didn't work. I still felt negative and stress. In fact I had a little bit of an anxiety attack. I left in the bottom of the sixth inning. I thought for sure a day at the Stadium would have helped eased the negative. I felt disappointed but gave myself some slack, realizing that sometimes my/our efforts to improve a situation are not a guarantee they will work. I relished in that I got to enjoy the Stadium and got some great pictures.

Guest

Post by Guest » Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:30 am

Really glad to hear things have turned around for you and you were able to enjoy the rest of your time off.

So how's the new job going? Behavior health, right? What's it like?

I left a job in Social Services last March to move, now I'm back in insurance. Which is great because I've been doing it so long it's a pretty easy job and I have pretty good job security. But I find myself really missing working in a field more closely related to my degree, which is psychology. I applied to a job in a similar field when we first moved but I wasn't hired. I have really let that put me off of applying anywhere else and just settling for my current job.

Oh, and PS, I am so jealous that you got to see Yankee stadium before they demolished it. I always wanted to go there :)

Guest

Post by Guest » Wed Oct 15, 2008 3:04 pm

Thanks goodwillchic.

I am currently in training to deal with different issues from different callers (doctors, patients, insurance companies, etc.) There will also be the learning of the computer system. As far as my perception of the job, this position may shape up to be the first one in 21 years I am very interested in and will enjoy doing. This is because of my personal background with anxiety and depression. The prior job from 1987 was a part-timer (I was trying to go full time in) in the editorial industry. I have a BA in Communications and going into magazine work was my childhood dream.

Interesting scenario you have: you're in a field you have experience in, and job security yet you miss your college major. I don't know if you want to try getting something in psych with the way the economy is.
I applied to a job in a similar field when we first moved but I wasn't hired. I have really let that put me off of applying anywhere else
I experienced a similar experience towards the end of the summer when I was job hunting for a Sales gig. I did Sales in the late 90s and wanted to return to it because I wanted so bad out of my old job. I was getting disappointed with my Sales search because all the companies I wanted to work for rejected me (probably because it's almost 10 years since I sold.)

My father took me to games at YS when I was a kid. So much baseball history in that stadium. I also went because I wanted some memories to keep and also to sell on eBay. True.

Guest

Post by Guest » Thu Oct 23, 2008 6:10 pm

Hey Charlie,

Yeah, now probably isn't the best time to be moving jobs. And honestly, I don't hate my job, it's just kinda boring.

Your new job sounds a bit complicated but I hope you are loving it.

Sorry it took me awhile to reply...I've been having trouble navigating this site. I forget where I've posted or what thread it is on and haven't been able to search successfully. I finally found a way to search members and found your profile which was able to get me back here.

Anyway, I really enjoy talking with you. So far no one else has really responded to any of my posts. It's been nice having someone to talk to here. Thanks.

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Oct 24, 2008 6:36 pm

No worries.

I am about to do some Zzz-ing and wanted to give you a quick reply. I was up late looking into a therapy option for a non anxiety/depression issue. I am pretty sure I found it. I felt like sharing and was just in the Triumphs area.

I will give a more detailed reply soon.

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:44 pm

You are under a lot of stress right now, starting a new job. I'm sure you don't know what to expect (kind of like you already knew what evil you had on the old job). The bank is definitely added stress. I say just take a break. Try to be less affected and more effective :) (I hope I got the e and a right). I know its simple advice but true. Try not envision this stuff compiling on you but think about how well you handled the last position, your time off and how you will have the money to pay the debt. And don't sweat the other stuff. Not worth it. Enjoy your time off. Us anxiety prone people tend to take our time off to beat ourselves up till we have to go back so we are totally beaten down when finally do go back :-)

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