[rlouise1985]

Hi all,

I need some advice or ideas.

I really struggle to go for work everyday. I have come to realise that this is not to do with work though I think it is to do with me. I have been working now for about 12 years, in a number of different areas in health (ironically, I am a trained psychologist). I have run programs in different areas of health, as well as doing research.

I just find work stressful. Stressful because its not challenging enough and I am bored out of my brains, or stressful because I dont cope with the people I work for. I also find the part of work where you are constantly being evaluated really stressful.

It is normally okay for about 6 months and then I start struggling.

I became aware of this recently and worked really hard on changing the way I talk about my work. To myself and to others. I wondered if I was creating a self fuffilling prophecy. I found I still went through the same process though I felt like I was exploding at the end because really, I think I was just lying to myself.

What is going on here? Does anyone else get this? I feel like there must be others out there who feel like this...

Keen to hear others thoughts,

Lou

[CANDC]

Hi Lou. Welcome to Psych Central. I find that I get stressed at work but the stress is not at work it is in me. I have a regimen of diet (high protein lo carb) yoga, exercise, mindfulness, breathing and getting involved outside work. I read books about making my life more relevant to who I am and then I try an idea or two.

If I am bored out of my brains I start researching how I can make my work more involving. If you are bored your clients are probably bored too. I could suggest wild ideas for making work more exciting but you are better finding your own inspiration inside.

So glad you joined the Psych Central community. Many people who are actively involved in Psych Central find it helps take them out of their own problems to develop empathy for others. And their problems though still there are more manageable.

There are lots of compassionate people here that can make the load lighter by sharing and caring. Feel free to participate actively at Psych Central. Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[Row Jimmy]

I have learned to de-emphasize work and focus on things outside of work that make me happy. Unfortunately, there's no way around "work" per se. There are all sorts of "go-getter" theories about work and career. IMO, these only apply to a small group of people. As a society, we're inundated with this notion of the American Dream equating to a big house, lots of money, and overall success.

To me, work has become a means to an end. I show up, try to do my job, and go home to the things I love.

[gypped]

"Annual employee evaluation" time stresses me out ALL YEAR. I always do poorly on my reviews, and it destroys me. I get scored a "zero out of 5" in so many categories, and to think that I'm a failure at anything (much less, so MANY things) makes me feel borderline suicidal.
I hate having to justify my existence. It makes me feel like I am begging to keep my job, and I AM begging (groveling, actually). People have an opinion of you from one mistake sometimes, and you can't rebound.
I have to keep a journal of all the "great stuff" I've done during the year so that I don't get fired outright at evaluation time. I'm never good enough. If I would just keep my mouth shut, it wouldn't matter how crappy of a job I did. I've found that unfortunately, you can be as dumb as a box of hair and get a great review if you don't rock the boat and just manage to fly under the radar.
396398

[Mrs. Mania]

[QUOTE=gypped;4444945]"Annual employee evaluation" time stresses me out ALL YEAR. I always do poorly on my reviews, and it destroys me. I get scored a "zero out of 5" in so many categories, and to think that I'm a failure at anything (much less, so MANY things) makes me feel borderline suicidal.
I hate having to justify my existence. It makes me feel like I am begging to keep my job, and I AM begging (groveling, actually). People have an opinion of you from one mistake sometimes, and you can't rebound.
I have to keep a journal of all the "great stuff" I've done during the year so that I don't get fired outright at evaluation time. I'm never good enough. If I would just keep my mouth shut, it wouldn't matter how crappy of a job I did. I've found that unfortunately, you can be as dumb as a box of hair and get a great review if you don't rock the boat and just manage to fly under the radar.
396398[/QUOTE

I feel the same, although my reviews are usually good. I totally immerse myself in my work so I don't have to deal with my coworkers as much, as they are the most problem for me. It's taken me a LONG time to realize the key is to not rock the boat and fly well below the radar. At my job, it doesn't matter what quality of work you do while there, just don't EVER call in......ridiculous!