I got pretty burnt out with both wage earning jobs, my personal work, and my family the past 6 months. I made the mistake of thinking as soon as my wage earning schedule eased up, I’d feel much better. I found out that wasn’t true.
- The first week I went out a couple times. Since I rarely do that, I paid the next day for not sleeping enough and drinking. Not much extra accomplished.
- The second week, unexpected things came up. Not as much caught up as I’d hoped.
- The third week (this week), even with things coming up, I’m finally feeling better. I’m catching up a little.
Don’t expect the weight of burnout to be lifted immediately when the causes are eliminated or reduced. It may take some time. Give yourself a break and don’t try to pack in everything you’ve been missing out on or catch up on everything immediately. Allow recuperation time.
I’m still behind on stuff and things came up at my group home job that are keeping me behind, but at least I don’t feel like crying every time I leave the house, even when on my way to something enjoyable or my wage earning jobs (I actually like both jobs, just not all the hours working).
Know when to say “NO”, but don’t miss out on opportunities. I want to advance at Wal-Mart, so things that will help me do that as fast as possible are things I will add to my ever so full plate. Recently at the group home I have the opportunity to fulfill the manager duties at the house while the house manager is out of town. I made time yesterday to get refreshed on doing time sheets (I use to manage a group home). I am also going to an assistant manager training today, before heading into Wal-Mart. When an opportunity arises at Wal-Mart I will have current management experience and training. I’m working on building a great resume. I made it known at Blake I want “titles” even if there is no pay increase right now. That’s how I got promoted to assistant house manager. I did ask for more flexible hours and got it.
At Wal-Mart I let them know what is happening at my group home job so they are aware of my experience. I actively advocate for myself at both jobs. Since I started advocating for myself 6 months ago at the group home I have received the following:
- .75 per hour raise
- employee of the month w/a $50 bonus
- promotion
- flexible hours that will include work I can do from home
At Wal-Mart I do any extra project with a good attitude and communicate regularly with management so that I can learn more. At 6 months I am eligible for transfer to other departments. Before that date arrived, the assistant manager for electronics approached me about transferring. It will mean a pay increase. Right after 6 months, the department head of jewelry approached me about transferring to her department. I guess I’m making an impression! I will follow through with electronics and see if that get approved.
I need one wage earning job so I don’t spend the rest of my working years at two jobs and burning myself out, like I have been. With one job I can devote more time to my internet ventures. I am actively doing what I need to right now to have an excellent resume so I can be qualified for a higher paying wage earning job.