I love journaling. I seem to like to write all the time. I prefer to get my thoughts out of my head and writing them helps.
As for worrying about strikes and work related issues, I have been there. I turn into a cry baby everytime something big happens at work--my lay-off, my firing, new jobs, a new manager. I hope you can get through any potential strikes.
I hope you manage to stick it out. It will probably be better than what ever your mind thinks it will be.