Teacher Talk Tuesday: The Job Slump

Remember last year, when I thought I was going to die?

I was so painfully unhappy with my job that I dug myself into the deepest hole and became depressed. Luckily, there was a kitchen and Blogworld down there. 

Guys, I don't know how my poor husband survived last year because I ripped his head off almost everyday. I came home crying almost everyday and wanted to quit right then and there. I let 18 immature boys ruin not only my work life, but my personal life as well. WHY, Joanna?
Thanks, Poster, but it was really quite difficult. Besides the fact that I'm overdramatic, I'm also obsessive and a perfectionist. God broke the mold when he made me, huh? (I never thought I'd use that phrase) Put those all together and what do you get? A teacher who wanted to be liked by her students, do well on her test scores, and go home on time each day feeling like a million bucks. Pshh... yeah...right.

So, I survived it right? Barely. Time passed ever so slowly and I'm here with a fun story to tell. Here's my advice to those who are in a lemon patch right now. Eff making lemonade, you gotta take life by the horns and make something more satisfying than that.

1. Breathe and know that it's not personal. 
If you're like me, you might get paranoid that people hate you ALL the time. Please say it's not just me. A co-worker doesn't say good morning? I shift into "Uh oh. What's the last thing I said to her? Did I call her fat on accident? Is she mad at me? Oh crap, was I supposed to call her or something?"
A client, or in my case, 18 teenagers act like total monkies and throw shit at you all day at work? I start thinking "What can I do do change myself so that they would like me and respect me?" 
Honey, the world isn't about you sometimes and you really have to say "It's not me, it's YOU." Instead of thinking how I can change myself, I think about how I can change my way of thinking. Maybe your co-worker had a bad morning, didn't see you, or has to pee really really badly or maybe those clients are really just A-holes. In the equation of A-hole clients and you, you are the only one stressing. Stop.
2. Vent to the right people.
If you don't do this, you'll end up being angry and hurt. I vented to anyone and everyone who would listen, and sometimes those who just had ears. Thanks, Sonic. I told a lot of non-teachers and I would get the "Did you call their parents?" "You should try giving them a book they're interested in." "You should talk to my friend, she's a teacher." These people all mean well and I appreciate them trying to help, but REALLY? Sometimes people don't understand what your job entails and what you are truly going through. They want to help in their own way, but that way isn't going to sound helpful to you if you're already depressed and angry . Talk to someone you know will understand.

My teacher friends

3. Find a really good hobby.
This is pretty straightforward. Do something that will make you happy. I found plenty.
Running


Reading

Cooking funny looking Chicken Butts
Eating

and eating...


and eating.
Ok, that could be very dangerous, but for me it was my ultimate comfort. I did balance it with running so that made it ok.

4. Know that everything will be ok.
I'm living proof. Hated my job last year and now I am living the teacher dream. I have a wonderful class, an awesome principal who just lets me do my job, and very helpful co-workers. God handed me a challenge last year but I kept with it and now, he's showing me that life is good.
via
5. Lastly, don't kill anyone.
My hubby was so patient with me. He felt the wrath of my depression and anger and held me lovingly as I sobbed and wiped snot boogers all over him. I took out my anger on him and if he left me or if I killed him during one of my Mr. Hulk episodes, I would've lost the only person on earth who could put up with my crap. Thank God I made him good food or else I would've been crying to Sonic and he is no good at listening. Thank you, Hubby.
photobooth fun
  • Do you have any advice to someone who hates their job?
  • How do you get through a rough patch?

10 comments:

  1. Advice: Update your resume. As someone once told my husband, "Your job can replace you, you can replace your job, but no one can replace YOU for your family." I feel like there's mini meltdowns for me every other week, and this week is no exception. I vent once to my husband, my mentor and my two best friends at work. That's it. I get advice from those four people and share solutions I'm considering. It's important to have a trusted person AT your workplace, because they get the pressures, relationships, and ANNOYANCES that you have! Good job sticking it out. I tell students, "I don't care if you like me. I'm going to teach you to be successful whether you like it or not." Oh yea, 5th grade. Watch out.

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  2. Joanna, this is a really beautiful post. I'm so glad things are finally looking up for you. =)

    As for my advice, I say to put your best foot forward, even in a job you hate. And always always always make time to support your dream job. For me, that's writing. So even though I'm busy with my day job, I still make a point to devote X hours per week to writing/blogging or reading for inspiration.

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  3. That's lots of good lessons learned! I've come to the conclusion that every hardship or trial is a personal lesson and you need to find out what you need to learn from it.

    You have a beautiful smile, so glad you're in a better place.

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  4. I loved this post! I felt like you wrote it just for me :) I know exactly what you went through last year! I'm so glad that this year is going so much more smoothly for you!

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  5. I am so, so glad you're happy this year. And despite the fact we won't be chaperoning prom again this May, I think I actually see you MORE now that you are gone. My advice to people that hate their jobs is to remember that your job is JUST your job; your job isn't your life. Build up hobbies and interests (like you did) so that your time outside of work can kick ass.

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  6. Beautiful images, I love this post, it's nice to know that love is in the air and that happiness wins sometimes.

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  7. That was a really great post!!! :)

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  8. This was a great post - not just for a rough patch in work but in life overall! Moving to GA was tough for me - living in a motel, no job and no family. Blogging and running helped so much!

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  9. Oh my goodness. It seems like for the past year my life has been a lemon patch. Thank you for sharing your story. It's nice to know I'm not the only one in that boat and that it will get better before I go nuts on my boyfriend over it. :)

    Thanks!

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  10. http://rebekahrose.blogspot.com/2012/01/thank-you-liebster-blog-award.html You've been nominated for a Liebster!! :)

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