I get most people feel like work is overwhelming sometimes if not all the time, but man is it piling up. I currently work two full time jobs side by side and am a full-time student. Sometimes I just try to push through it and get to the end of the day, but sometimes that is just not possible. Lately, one of my jobs has been causing me so much anxiety. This specific job requires me to take and make phone calls. Now most of my career life has been jobs requiring me to be on the phones like collections, which is absolutely brutal, and then customer service which has its moments. The calls I take and make now though deal with people’s health so that right there is a stressor. But, with the healthcare staff shortage we have, and processes constantly changing, all I seem to do is make people angry or the reason my superiors make me call out for make no sense and I come off completely incompetent. I totally get why they are upset; their anger is completely justified. But I can only be a punching bag for so long before it starts to get to me. On the calls that make no sense I would love to skip them, and just notate them for when it makes sense to reach out, but then I would get reprimanded. If I am being completely honest with myself, if I did not need this job I would not still be here. I have been on the hunt for side gigs, freelancing positions, other remote jobs since my main one is completely remote, you name it I have investigated it or tried, with no success. So, add that stressor I have put on myself. Companies constantly talk about how no one wants to work, but then when you have those people who are actively looking, they are under qualified, overqualified, or you just do not get any form of response. Everyone wants you to have a bachelor’s or a master’s, but unless you know exactly what you want to do with your life and what degree you specifically need, who is going to spend that much money on schooling or put themselves in that much debt when we’re already going into debt with just being alive. I feel like companies need to re-evaluate their requirements, no more “entry level” positions requiring a masters and three years experience.

I started thinking about what I need to do when I am getting to the point of breaking. When I get overwhelmed like I have been lately, I get up and step away. I walk around my house and try to clear my mind of work. Monday got bad enough I just sat in my desk chair and started to cry, and I am not normally a crier. I am thankful to be working from home so I can also stress pet my pups. That helps a lot too especially for individuals that are more sensory. My therapist recommended I get sensory “toys” if you will to keep at my desk. I am considering it and maybe it can help you too. She also suggested either playing in the background if you can, sounds that make you happy, like mine is thunderstorms. Or have wax melter going with a scent that makes you at ease.

Yes, work is important, it helps pay our bills and put food in our mouth, but at the end of the day we all need to remember that we are more important. Our health is important, physically, and mentally. Burnout is a real thing, so if you feel yourself getting to that point take a break for you. Do something to heal you, even if it is just lying in a bubble bath, painting your nails, getting a haircut, having poker night with the boys, whatever it may be. You are important and you come first. Take care of you.