Is it selfish to want a break?

startingnew
Valued Contributor

Hi Everyone

I work as an in-home/live-in carer (so am 'on duty' 24/7), help care for siblings (every morning for school runs, some afternoons, usually at least one day of a weekend, and school holidays i have them more often than not ) Ive also had to take on abit of a side job for a few hrs every second day as finances are really tight atm.

I know others have it much worse than i do, so i feel really awful for even wanting a break. I was told by a few people offline that i should be spending as much time with family as possible because im lucky to have one and my aged family member wont last forever. I am grateful to have a family but with the constant caring for everyone, i feel its starting to take its taking its own toll on top of my mh and physical conditions.

I have been a carer or a 'helper' as long as i can remember and jumped straight from school into another caring role, whilst still keeping the previous commitments and/or adding new ones. Each time i meantion something that doesnt suit my families lifestyle (mind you its only me, anyone else they are supportive of) it ends in an argument or just goes well with my inner self that says i really dont deserve or need a break so shut down.

So im wondering if it is selfish to want to just take a few days off or try to have a day or 2 off a week? Is it selfish to want to want to see abit more than just my local area and explore other options for life rather than just caring for others? I am pretty conflicted at the moment.

22 Replies 22

startingnew
Valued Contributor

Hi everyone

Im having a slight situation at home with caring, is it alright if i post what it is so i can get some perspective and some suggestions on what might help from you guys?

Of course we will try to help

Thank you ❤️

Im going to be having surgury in january/february which means im going to need time off work- both of them. i need to stay right away from one and do very minimal for at least a week in regards to caring so im wondering what others would be trying to organise to help wiht my own recovery and to ensure my caree is ok.

someone suggested trying to organise a district nurse? im not sure how to go about that either so if anyone has any information that would be great please