[pegasus]

Not sure this is in the right forum, sorry.

I probably should know the answers to these questions!

Is it normal to feel this tired? Started a new job about a month ago, it is not physically demanding but it is psychologically. I just feel completely shattered on my days off. Finding it hard to keep my eyes open!
Should I be worried about this? Will it settle down? I can't think straight. Your opinions needed. Thanks.

[deliquesce]

i think it is normal to feel exhausted after you've taken on new responsibilities. and your new job is up there for being responsible!!

but just because it's normal, doesn't mean you should just put up with it. i think there will be a period of adjustment, but there are other things you should look at too. are you getting enough sleep (or are you finding it more difficult now to "switch off" after work)? exercising by any chance? managing to eat right? are you still doing pleasurable things when you have days off? i'm not talking "big" things like seeing friends... but just making some time to sit outside in the sun, rather than feeling that exhaustion in your body and staying inside the house?

[pegasus]

Thanks deliquesce.

are you finding it more difficult now to "switch off" after work?

Yep! Oh yep! It's all so exciting and trying to get to sleep is fun -not! I shan't worry if it will eventually settle down but at the moment I feel like a truck has gone over me and I could lie down just about anywhere! Knackered but jolly at the same time! lol!

[Lost71]

((((Pegasus)))) I think it's perfectly normal, most especially if it's been a long time since a last job, or if it's emotionally draining. I think things will settle down in time...meantime, be gentle on yourself on days off. Plenty of rest, relaxing baths etc....and take all the hugs you can get here too ......

[pegasus]

I'll have to teach my family how to use a hoover I think!

Thanks Lost.

[deliquesce]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Yep! Oh yep! It's all so exciting and trying to get to sleep is fun -not! I shan't worry if it will eventually settle down but at the moment I feel like a truck has gone over me and I could lie down just about anywhere! Knackered but jolly at the same time! lol!

oh, lol. i have a big problem with getting excited/enthusiastic about something (typically when it's still new and kind of my "toy" and im just so happy with all the possibilities) and not being able to switch off mentally at the end of the day.

a part of me says - enjoy it while it lasts!!! i'm right there with you being so excited and jolly too . i think it will settle once you have become used to and mastered the routine... not that work won't be exciting anymore, but it won't be that honeymoon phase where you just feel so joyful just thinking about it either.

but if it's starting to take it's toll, we need to figure something else out. are you typically planning for the next day, or reviewing the one you've just had? if we can figure out what's going on in that over-excited noggin of yours, then we can figure out when to let those thoughts happen at a time that won't eat away at your sleep.

eta: if i'm still pumped about your new job, then i can only imagine how much more zing would be running through your body. lol, i think deli needs a break from being excited for you, too .

[Sannah]

Originally Posted by pegasus

I'll have to teach my family how to use a hoover I think!

Absolutely, and teach them a few more chores too!

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by deliquesce

oh, lol. i have a big problem with getting excited/enthusiastic about something (typically when it's still new and kind of my "toy" and im just so happy with all the possibilities) and not being able to switch off mentally at the end of the day.

a part of me says - enjoy it while it lasts!!! i'm right there with you being so excited and jolly too . i think it will settle once you have become used to and mastered the routine... not that work won't be exciting anymore, but it won't be that honeymoon phase where you just feel so joyful just thinking about it either.

but if it's starting to take it's toll, we need to figure something else out. are you typically planning for the next day, or reviewing the one you've just had? if we can figure out what's going on in that over-excited noggin of yours, then we can figure out when to let those thoughts happen at a time that won't eat away at your sleep.

eta: if i'm still pumped about your new job, then i can only imagine how much more zing would be running through your body. lol, i think deli needs a break from being excited for you, too .

Do you know I was doing a sleep-in the other night and I couldn't get to sleep because I couldn't stop smiling!

Reviewing and planning runs through the brain non-stop but I will not have to plan so much once I have truly learnt everything. Lying in bed thinking that I must ring so-and-so and what was that lock combination again? Ha ha! Makes me grin fo some reason. There is no need for this ol' brain to think about it cos it's all written down at work. And of course I want to do EVERYTHING properly to prove I can truly do this. Work has already rang and booked me for extra work so I must be doing a good job right?

Thanks for being so excited with me!

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by Sannah

Absolutely, and teach them a few more chores too!

Yes I agree. They did go out and buy me a present while I was away. Awww!

[Sabrina]

Gosh, I think it is completely normal. You would have to be superwoman not to feel tired with the stresses of taking on a new job! Hopefully it eases soon!

[nowheretorun]

i think it is very normal too Pegs and i think the restless might come from your wanting to do your best, and you will do exactly that! im sure it will ease in time, take care of you great winged one!

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by Sabrina

Gosh, I think it is completely normal. You would have to be superwoman not to feel tired with the stresses of taking on a new job! Hopefully it eases soon!

Thanks Sabrina I don't want to feel this tired all the time.

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by nowheretorun

i think it is very normal too Pegs and i think the restless might come from your wanting to do your best, and you will do exactly that! im sure it will ease in time, take care of you great winged one!

Thanks nowheretorun I can't think straight at all right now so I really am appreciating everyone's thoughts on this. Going on a training course tomorrow so then I will feel even more up to speed.

[VickiesPath]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Do you know I was doing a sleep-in the other night and I couldn't get to sleep because I couldn't stop smiling!

Reviewing and planning runs through the brain non-stop but I will not have to plan so much once I have truly learnt everything. Lying in bed thinking that I must ring so-and-so and what was that lock combination again? Ha ha! Makes me grin fo some reason. There is no need for this ol' brain to think about it cos it's all written down at work. And of course I want to do EVERYTHING properly to prove I can truly do this. Work has already rang and booked me for extra work so I must be doing a good job right?

Thanks for being so excited with me!

Having started many new, exciting jobs in my lifetime (before it dawned on me that "work" was highly over-rated ) I remember that I devoted perhaps 90-100% of my brain power and at least 70% of my physical energy to those jobs my first month or so on the job. Then, as time passed, I realized that so many of the routine tasks became......well, routine, and less brain power was necessary. It was normal for me to be exhausted until I settled into the job and identified the routines that didn't require 100% all the time. It will get easier.

To be perfectly honest, it is wonderful to see that you love your new job so much and we all hope for you that it continues to be just as rewarding as you become more seasoned and comfortable.

[pegasus]

Originally Posted by Vickie in Phoenix

Having started many new, exciting jobs in my lifetime (before it dawned on me that "work" was highly over-rated ) I remember that I devoted perhaps 90-100% of my brain power and at least 70% of my physical energy to those jobs my first month or so on the job. Then, as time passed, I realized that so many of the routine tasks became......well, routine, and less brain power was necessary. It was normal for me to be exhausted until I settled into the job and identified the routines that didn't require 100% all the time. It will get easier.

To be perfectly honest, it is wonderful to see that you love your new job so much and we all hope for you that it continues to be just as rewarding as you become more seasoned and comfortable.

Thank you Vickie

You see, I have never had the opportunity to do a job of this standing. In fact when they offered me the job I asked them if they were sure! So I was completely wowed in the first place. Yes, I have done lots of care and support work in the past but not management. And my first month has gone so well. The staff and clients are truly lovely. I was so shocked the other day when I suggested something to a colleague and she said, 'We'll do what ever you say!' She meant it. My instructions were followed, no questions asked. How shocking/wonderful is that! It's all new and very exciting and this brain doesn't want to sleep.

Also, my T passed away earlier this year and so I don't have him to bounce off. I'm still grieving for him but I know he would have been so very pleased with how things are going. I wish he knew...

[VickiesPath]

Originally Posted by pegasus

Thank you Vickie

You see, I have never had the opportunity to do a job of this standing. In fact when they offered me the job I asked them if they were sure! So I was completely wowed in the first place. Yes, I have done lots of care and support work in the past but not management. And my first month has gone so well. The staff and clients are truly lovely. I was so shocked the other day when I suggested something to a colleague and she said, 'We'll do what ever you say!' She meant it. My instructions were followed, no questions asked. How shocking/wonderful is that! It's all new and very exciting and this brain doesn't want to sleep.

Also, my T passed away earlier this year and so I don't have him to bounce off. I'm still grieving for him but I know he would have been so very pleased with how things are going. I wish he knew...

Your T does know, I am sure of it.

[(JD)]

((((Peg)))) YOU KNOW T KNOWS! And is smiling on you!

It appears that with new responsibility, the old methods of coping with day to day life "events" isn't enough. Try to think out of the box about how to reorganize your routines...and yes, that includes putting up a chore chart (complete with rewards at the end of the week or month.)

Ruminating at night before bed? Now you know that won't work, and is probably your biggest enemy right now. It appears that even though you might be sleeping, it is not restorative sleep. That spells disaster and is a key element in burn out.

Find what works best for you, whether journaling, or creating a special thoughts list, whether right before bed or as a part of your pre-sleep routine... write those thoughts and things you want to remember (categories?) down. If you want to remember a certain procedure, list whatever, give it a title, and write that title down. Your brain will know what it entails.

Of course your body is tired from psychological exertion! Don't try to separate the two, you know it doesn't work. The mind is not in the brain, but within each cell, imo...like a hologram we are so wonderfully made.

Don't bring your work home. It's one thing to think about the how and all, but not the actual doings and people.

Find a new way to relax. I know many ppl think it's so"rich" of me to go to the movies all the time, but in reality it is one way I found to truly "escape" from the hardness of life...and even some of the reality of the pain I constantly feel. For me, the expense is part of my health care. Maybe you don't have enough money to do something like that weekly, but find something, plan and look forward to it..and then do it without guilt and clear your mind!

Not sure how much wisdom is in this post...but maybe a simple nudge of a reminder is all you really needed.

[susan888]

(((Peg)))

My job wears me out. But so much of my identity is tied up in how "successful" I am...My Mom taught me not to ever depend on anyone but myself...(Men in particular).

Peg...I started out at minimum wage and busted my ***** for 26 years to climb the corporate "ladder"..Don't get me wrong..I am very grateful that I have a good job...but I think now that I'm older...the most important thing is LOVING what you do...Honestly..my favorite job was a very low paying one with a LOT of responsibility!!

Peg..If you love what you do then it is soo worth the sacrifice!!! You will get acclimated soon and be more comfortable in your role at work. It sounds like you really do love your job..so rest easy..it will come. When you give so much of yourself to a new job..it does wear you out..that is very, very normal...I know you will do wonderfully!!!!

[Sannah]

Peg, it is so wonderful to see you so happy and excited!

[Catherine2]

No wisdom from me...I think the others have covered it!

As usual, Pegs, my mind takes a different tack.

It is so wonderful to hear you talk about being happy and excited; to hear the self-love growing again, the exuberance and empowerment in your words.
I'll wager it feels much better than dealing with another rejection/disappointment if you had not gotten this job...

Your T was, and still is, one of your happiest cheerleaders.

In Peace

[pegasus]

Thanks everyone! It is good to be reminded of the big SC - Self Care! Yep! I'll be no good to anyone if I don't take care of myself. I got a good nights sleep last night and went on a very good training course today. Self-care was the biggy! Also there was some legal stuff that has been niggling at the back of my mind. I talked with the trainer about this and I am insured and covered. So that is a relief.