How to face work?

[Annewithan-e]

I have a job that I love.. well in part.
I am secondary teacher. I teach year 11/12z I love the classroom, the kids. But I’ve been back at work over a week and I can’t face anything without tears (I generally make it somewhere to hide, masks help me escape…). I am in leadership as well and I just can’t cope.

I feel like no one cares (well a small little group of close friends might, but that’s it). I feel worthless and like no one would even flinch if I quit tomorrow. I’m getting to worm and I freeze, can’t work, unless it’s something I need to do for someone else… I feel sick, I come home every day and have a migraine or massive stomach pains and cramps. It’s not sustainable like this, but I don’t know what to do. And I feel financially committed as well.
I have reached out to some of my direct reports to catch up to talk but they haven’t responded.

[Petal22]

Hi Anne withan e,

Im sorry you are feeling this way I understand it can feel very overwhelming.

Have you thought about talking to your gp about the way you are currently feeling?

You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist.

You really can get better from what you are currently going through.

[white knight]

Hi again Anne (with an e)

I would, as a priority, do as Petal suggested- a GP visit. Nothing substitutes that initial visit for some care and an eagle eye on some possibles by checking vital signs etc.

My daughter was a high school teacher like you 11/12. Unfortunately 4 years ago she collapsed through exhaustion PTSD and recently found she has bipolar like me. So she was pensioned out of the profession forever, sad and she is still having trouble coping day to day.

So, prevention is far better than cure.

Other options could include- a self review of your position eg a country move? a change of school? The dropping off of your leadership role? Think carefully but not for too long as then you are less likely to be decisive and spring into action.

Reply anytime

TonyWK

[sbella02]

Hey Anne,

Thank you for your openness and honesty in your post. I know so many people who have also been struggling with similar feelings in their own workplaces, particularly throughout the pandemic.

I had a part-time job for two and a half years that I ended up resigning from during the pandemic, this was just over a year ago. I was just starting to take on a leadership role when I found that the demands of the job were a bit too overwhelming for me, in addition to my morals being compromised due to the owners' mismanagement. I'm definitely not implying that this is the way to go for you, I know there's a lot more to consider when choosing whether or not to resign. You could perhaps try seeking another job where you feel like your contribution is valid and respected more.

If you feel comfortable, you could even try talking through your concerns with a more senior staff member and see what they recommend for you in a more immediate sense.

It may be worth having a chat to a GP as Petal22 and Tony have said, or you could talk to a therapist, counsellor, or psychologist about your feelings. They may be able to offer some professional advice and tips. It may also be worth mentioning to your GP that you're struggling with migraines and cramping, if you haven't already raised this.

Here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Do you see yourself staying in this job long-term?
• What do you like about the job?
• With everything you've mentioned, do these issues outweigh the positives enough for you to consider resigning/finding a new job?
• What are the most important aspects of a job to you, and are they being compromised in your current position?

Please feel free to continue chatting with us, we're here to give you our words of support and advice 🙂

All the best, SB