Coll Storm

First off: Pardon any and all typo's. I'm posting this at 6am, after crawling in bed at 11pm, and tossing & turning through the night.

I'm sure that most of you know my situation by now, as it relates to my job, and right now...

Right now I feel like the world is about to end, and there's nothing I can do about it.

For the past three years I have worked for the same backwards company, with it's backwards rules, and I have stretched myself to bend over backwards and follow those rules.

I have been underpaid, and have volunteered my time on numerous occasions, but not a thanks was given. I have sacrificed my ears to listen to my co-workers, parents, and childrens feeling, complaints, and everything else in between. In that whole time, I don't feel like anyone has listened to me.

I forgot to mention that I'm in childcare. I teach kindergarten in the morning, and work in an after-school program during the afternoon ( who would of thought? ). During the summer both jobs are phased out and are replaced with a summer camp program.

Now between the time of both programs is usually a transition week where the employees have off from the kids, but are still required to work, to get things cleaned up and ready. This is usually the week that I take off... to destress myself.

Well, because of snow days and such... the camp has been moved up into this week, and I've been told that my vacation has to wait until the July 12th thru the 16th.

At this point I haven't eaten all weekend, because I've lost my appetite. I've also been sleeping a total of three hours a night, If I'm lucky.

I'm posting this on Monday morning at 6am, and I have to be up at 9am. We also have a meeting tonight, so it's going to be a 12 hour day.

I'm at my wits end... and have nobody to talk with. That's why I'm posting. I'm questioning everything that I am at this point. I love childcare, but for the past month or so I'm asking myself why the hell I'm in this line of work. I've never done that.... ever. I don't want to go into work today, but have to, because I'm the responsible one.

I work to make money, but I'm miserable at work. If I don't work, I can't pay my bills, and remain unhappy either way. I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't.

Dear god... where the hell is the end of this story?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

-Coll

Derwood

I'm the first response, and I hate to be the "tough love" guy, but there is a saying that goes like this: "You teach people how to treat you." If you feel like you're the one who is always giving the extra time, always going the extra mile, etc. but are never thanked for it, that's on you, not them. You need to demand respect and thanks (nicely of course, but you know what I mean). Even the nicest people in the world will tend to use someone like you, because you never set limits on your time or demand time to yourself. Chances are, if they like you and the work you are doing, they aren't going to fire you for not being there every second they ask.

Of course I don't know these people (or you), so I could be wrong, but this is a call for advice, so there's my 2 cents.

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maleficent

People can only do to you what you allow them to do.

No one is going to stand up for you unless you are willing to stand up for youself, say no occassionally, negotiate certain things for either comp time, or extra pay.

What's your job description say that you do? If you don't have an official job description, ask for one.

When's the last time you had a performance/salary review? That's your opportunity, not to vent, but to let it be known all the extras that you do, do. If you are just doing this stuff, the powers that be are probably not aware of it, who's fault is that? You are the good little doo-bee behind the scenes who makes everythig happen. stop doing that.


I am sure this isn't the only job in town.... change jobs.

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pig

Coll : Is all this over the vacation, or the build up of feeling taken advantage of? If it's the vacation, then I'd say sometimes you gotta roll with the punches. Have you already asked for that week off and received it / made plans for it? If so, I'd strongly consider telling them it's a no can do. If not, then you're probably stuck. As for the other stuff, I agree with my fore-posters. Don't do anything outside your job description at work, unless you really want to do it or will be recompensated for it. There are ways to say no to people nicely - I've had to learn that myself, and it's just like the old adage about bullies. They bully you until you don't let them any more. If you don't like being confrontational, then I suggest that you make plans for your free times / make a pretense of having plans for your free time.

/yeah, hi Peter....listen, we need to talk about your TPS forms.

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raeanna74

Call in sick and take a mental health day. They can afford to go one day without you. I know what it's like working with children. I usually have my house full of them and at a certain point I just need to get away. I need time alone without kids. They can be so emotionally draining on you after a long period of time. I hope you can find the rest and revival that you need. Good luck.

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My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

Coll Storm

I'll say yes to all of the above Pigglet. It's a combo of everything, but something has happened in the past couple of days to me. Instead of holding everything in, ( stress related ) I've been letting it out.

On Tuesday my assistant called in sick to work, because her husband decided to announce to her family that they're getting a divorce. Mind you... this is about the tenth time this year, that something like this has happened to her, and then she does a no show.

But... for some reason it didn't bother me. Instead of being pissed off about her not showing up, I took it as having a break from her. I'm also shutting out my co-workers when it comes to their happiness. The only happiness I care about now are the childrens, and myself.

I got my vacation moved up by a week, so I only have about two week, to go. I also went to that meeting Monday night, and made a very strong impression to the rest of the staff, my boss, and my fellow employees. On less than three hours sleep, I had a blast at the meeting, and participated. My boss recognized this in front of my co-workers.

I'm still tired of the place, but I'm now taking it one day at a time.

Coll Storm

It's a good idea.... I might just do that.

Jackebear

Start looking for a new school for next year....now. I am a teacher at a Junior High School and I am looking now as well. Nothing worse that having 13 year olds telling you to "fuck off" 5 to 10 times a day.

Take all your paid day's off that your contract allows. Take some long weekends and enjoy yourself. I only get 20 paid days off but that means I am taking long weekends about twice a month. Nothing the school can do about it...it's in my contract. I do the best I can and look forward to my short holidays.

Good luck to you.

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Life's jounney is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn-out shouting, "Holy sh*t! What a ride!" - unknown