Work is still going well. It's been a real adjustment going from such a busy, stressful environment as my last school to such a different place, though. I think I must have a little PTSD from last year, because I keep finding myself waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. Things are so placid and well-run and just...easy...that it makes me nervous sometimes.
I know that sounds weird. It's hard to explain. It's like my nervous system is all keyed up and ready for stress to explode around me, and when it never does that anxiety/energy has nowhere to go. There are long stretches of time with nothing pressing for me to do. It's disconcerting. For six years I did the jobs of at least two people and the pace never, ever let up. Now I have a normal (one person) job. No one dumps extra tasks on me or takes advantage. (Quite the opposite, in fact. The other office people/teachers/staff go out of their way to be kind and to not impose on me or my time). I have a great deal of freedom and a quiet, private office. There's only so much to do, even when I help answer phones and such, and it seems strange not to have to operate under a sense of urgency all the time. As to the bookkeeping part of my training (the only challenging thing) that's coming along just fine. I'm learning a lot as situations come up that require my input, and it's not nearly as complicated as I initially imagined it to be.
So, a bit weird, but all good. Since I'm off early (as usual these days) and Gregg works late tonight, I'm considering a short nap. My bedroom is cool and dark, I have a book to read*, and a quick snooze sounds like just the thing for a hot afternoon.
*My book club decided to read a classic this month: East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I'm enjoying it so far.
Rest…we are still have 110 index here on the Gulf…boys go to school tomorrow…youngest grand girl in INDY college Monday..bittersweet. August hectic. Stay in touch with the Superintendent of one of your school districts…classic novel. Enjoy…
ReplyDeleteAugust is hectic, and it's too hot to hurry! Haha. :)
DeleteI bet you DO have PTSD. You were actually and truly in an abuse situation in your last job. That's all there is to it. And it's going to take longer to not feel like that other shoe is going to drop than it is going to take for you to learn bookkeeping. A lot longer. Learning is always easier than unlearning.
ReplyDelete"Learning is always easier than unlearning". TRUTH.
DeleteI am so glad you landed in such a great job! That last one sounds like it was worse even than you let on. Dang. The relief must be AMAZING!
ReplyDeleteLast year was much worse than I felt comfortable writing about in an open forum like this. I don't tell people I have a blog or link to it anywhere, but you just never know what people may find and read.
DeleteOh yes, I loved "East of Eden". In fact I loved everything that John Steinbeck ever wrote. By the sound of that school, you may have ended up in La La Land.
ReplyDeleteIt's not La La Land, but it's pretty damn good. I'm lucky.
DeleteOur head housekeeper finally has a new housekeeper she likes and can rely on. One day while she was cleaning my room I asked how she had come to apply here. She said "For over a year I have driven by your 'Help Wanted' sign, to a factory job I despised. It was hectic, stressful, unrewarding. One day I just turned right and put in an application. During the day someone called me, so I left work early, turned left, and was hired. You don't know what a relief it is to work here. Everyone is kind, nice and appreciative."
ReplyDeleteFrom the top to the middle (you) to the bottom (the new housekeeper) appreciation, nice and kind go a long, long way.
You never know when one small action (like turning right that day) will change your whole life.
DeleteI'm so glad that the job is going well and completely understand waiting for the other shoe to drop. But it's been a while and it seems like an excellent workplace with kind and helpful people. Enjoy! That weather would kill me; we're having some humidity too but with temperatures in the 70s. It's uncomfortable although bearable. PacNW wimp here!
ReplyDeleteNot a wimp--a normal human! It's just too hot here!
DeleteWeather up here in Central PA is fine, we get rain every 2 - 3 days and with that comes humidity, but temp wise it never hits 90 (F). I did accounting for years and it became so mundane.
ReplyDeleteBookkeeping/accounting for an elementary school won't be totally dull, though. Today I had to figure out approximately how much money we would need for buying doughnuts during the school year (several events include doughnuts) and which accounts to pull the money from for the purchase requisitions. Krispy Kreme is one of our vendors! LOL
DeleteEnjoy that dream job -- you've hit paydirt there!
ReplyDeleteThings are much better all around, including my paychecks!
DeleteIt's just plain warm lambchop. I may just live in a pool the rest of summer.
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Enjoy!
DeleteHot here too. A good book, a shady spot, and the occasional swim, are officially being recommended (by me).
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! I may go swimming this weekend.
DeleteI am not surprised that your new work environment feels weird, compared to the constant stress you were under previously. Mentally, you already know how good it is, and appreciate it; your emotions take a little longer to adjust, as does your body after such a high stress level over such a long time. As you say, it has nowhere to go right now - so how about a few exercises here and there? I always find that helpful when under pressure (real or imagined - it makes no difference to the body).
ReplyDeleteExercise would be the obvious solution, except for the dangerous heat our area is getting. Any outdoor activity has to be really limited right now, and I can't stand the idea of going to a gym. I would love nothing more than some cool, crisp days and long walks after work.
DeleteYour new place sounds heavenly. What a difference.
ReplyDeleteI got lucky.
DeleteIt's wonderful that you finally landed something wonderful. I hope you soon adjust to working with adults in a healthy environment. It sounds like you're suffering from PTSD.
ReplyDeleteThings are so much better there. Thank you, Mitchell.
DeleteI am so glad that your new position is providing you with a less stressful day. I am so happy for you, and as someone who worked in a lot of schools, one school can be totally different from another. I feel so fortunate that our weather here in Virginia hasn't been as hot. 107! Yikes!
ReplyDelete107 was the "real feel" so the actual temperature was around 98 degrees. I'm so sick of this heat!
DeleteGreat book, East of Eden! And yes, the heat of this summer is just too much.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to bother me more each year.
DeleteI never read "East of Eden," but I think I saw the movie a long time ago. I imagine the job will feel more natural and comfortable over time. Don't ever tell them you don't have enough to do! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'd never be that much of a fool! LOL
DeleteI started reading your blog when you were crazy busy at the Bookshop. Then on to the two school jobs now you are finally at what sounds like a good school and I am so happy for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy to me that I've been blogging all these years! Thank you Gayle.
DeleteTimshel !
ReplyDeleteTimshel!
DeleteYour uneasiness is understandable. You dealt with a great deal of crap for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you can be keyed up because your previous job was so unpredictable and stressful, I think you will adjust to a happier more peaceful work environment. I hope the temps cool down for you.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog
ReplyDeletePlease read my post
ReplyDelete