Getting used to working again

[frugalone]

Has anyone ever had trouble making the transition from unemployment to part-time employment? And I may have to make a bigger transition, to full-time (working two part time jobs to make up one full time) and THEN grad school, online and part time?

I don't understand--OK, so I've been out of work for 3 years, but I worked from March 20 to mid-May, 17 hours a week. Of course, the job largely involves sitting on my rump and babysitting college students in the library...still.

The new job I got in a library is sorta kicking my rump. And I feel disorganized at home--like there's no time to even sit and watch a movie. Some nights, I work till 8 p.m. and then I have to be back at work at 9 a.m. I don't think that is right or fair but I am not really trying to complain.

Just need a few suggestions for getting back in the swing of things! Thanks!

[bunnys]

How long have you been doing this? I teach and when the summer starts I'm really bored for about 2 weeks when I finally get used to all the down time. When the year starts again, I have to nap every day for the first week or so because I'm so exhausted. Many teachers say the same thing.

If it hasn't been that long, give yourself some time to get acclimated to the new schedule. And if the vacuuming doesn't get done, oh well. Not that big a deal. Keep it in perspective.

[frugalone]

I started about 3 weeks ago, near the end of June. So maybe it's too soon?

[bunnys]

You will get used to it. You can get used to anything. And you were out for 3 years...

[Selah]

I agree. Getting back into the work habit is like getting yourself back in shape after slacking off exercise for awhile. When I first started one job, I had ten hour shifts in a very intense environment, and I had to use my break times literally laying down in the back seat of my car! But as you get used to the work and to the people and the pace, it won't be as exhausting as it is now. Still, be sure to manage your diet to avoid too much sugar or refined carbs...have lots of low-glycemic snacks on hand, preferably with some protein, e.g. cashews, hard-boiled eggs, etc. That will help you pace yourself. Good luck!

[lhamo]

You also need to consider that you were not exactly fully challenged/engaged when you were formerly employed full-time, if I remember correctly. I haven't been unemployed for long periods, but I did take a bit of a break between the end of my prior position and the start of the full-time language program I had lined up for after that, and it took time to adjust. And then it took time to adjust again going from the language program (which was very intense) into my current job. I would recommend you try to do a bit of an attitude adjustment about the evening hours followed by a morning shift, though. While it might be a bit hard, there are advantages to that kind of a schedule, too -- such as having more time during the day when other people are working to get errands done, etc. Just don't set up your schedule so that you have to do anything after getting home. Personally sometimes I need to work late and still have to be in the office the next day at my normal time (7 am) which means I get up at 4:30 am to get ready/catch the bus. Not always at my best the next day, but I do what the job requires.

lhamo

[herbgeek]

Three weeks is not a long time...our brains are optimized to run on habits so we can pay attention to the important stuff when needed. When you start a new phase in life, you aren't yet running on routine. Your brain is actively engaged the whole time, and that will make you tired.

My recommendations: be gentle and patient with yourself, don't plan on doing anything when you get home other than maybe some self care like a long bath or a favorite novel. Try to put as much of your life at home on auto pilot as you can, while you adjust at work, even if the house suffers. Eat small regular healthy snacks at work (the brain uses up a lot of glucose when taxed), try to get some fresh air when you can, and be around nature. Work on the attitude, perhaps by starting a gratitude journal. Find things to be positive about in every situation. Frustration comes when there's a disconnect between what you expect and what is right there in front of you. Since you can't change the what's in front of you readily, you'll have to change the expectations if you don't want to be frustrated.

[cattledog]

I think a full-time job is easier to manage that two part-time jobs. I remember working two jobs and I always thought it was stressful because I was always thinking that I had somewhere to be. If I only have an hour or two at home before I'm off to another job, I'm not going to drag out the vacuum or start cleaning the house.

When I was working full-time (w/o children), it was nicer because the time in the evening was yours with no committments. If one of your PT jobs turns FT, that would be preferable.

As far as advice goes, I always found it was easiest to prep for the week on one day (i.e. I'd try to get my chores, laundry, etc. done on one of my days off). I'd save grocery store runs and other short errands for the spare hour or two you have during the week. It's stressful though and not an easy transition.

When I was working, commuting and taking care of a baby/toddler, I just had to accept that I had no downtime during the week. I think that was the hardest thing. No books, no baking, no movies and barely enough sleep. I used to try to sneak some hobby time in and that made it more stressful.

I hope things calm down for you.

[SiouzQ.]

I have been at my new job for about five weeks so far and am now finally getting used to the schedule and activity level required for it. I am also starting to get varying shifts; sometimes I work 2:30 until 10:30pm, but lately I'm back to my old work schedule which was 11 - 7. It's working out pretty good for me as I get to enjoy these languid summer mornings and get stuff done (or not) and then these equally languid summer evenings, if I get off at 7pm. If I work until closing time I just come home and am asleep within about 1.5 hours. The cool things is I generally don't need to use an alarm anymore because my body is trained to wake up at about 7:30.

To the OP: The first few weeks were pretty hard and I just got it in my mind that getting used to this new job was about the only thing I was going to accomplish for the next few weeks. I've also heard over and over it takes a good 3 - 4 weeks for the body and mind to catch up with the stress of the change. I did let some stuff go around the house but made sure to relax by reading before bed (it usually took only 3 pages before I was conked out). I didn't do much socializing and didn't play much guitar. I am happy to say that I am adding all that back into my life quite nicely and feel like for once I have a great work/life balance. Give it some time and be easy on yourself!

[Mrs. Hermit]

It took half a semester for me to get into the swing of part time grad school.

[jp1]

I think herbgeek has it right. Once it becomes habit it'll take a lot less energy then it does now when all is new. I was unemployed for 10 months back in 2001-02. When I first started working again I was absolutely exhausted by the end of the day, even though in hindsight it was a really low stress kind of job. Now I have no problem working a much busier, higher stress position.

I can sympathize with you about not having the energy to even do something like watch a movie at night. If I know I'm going to have to work late, or on wednesdays when I have to pick up the CSA share and get home 1/2 hour later I try to either convince SO to cook dinner that night, or plan something simple for dinner like the boboli pizza I'm cooking right now because it's a quick, low stress meal.

[Zoe Girl]

I also went from my regular school year job to my summer camp job and had it kick my bum. I was used to working hours ranging from 615 am to 6 pm but in the middle of the day when we did not have program then it was flexible, meetings and paperwork and stuff.

This summer I am doing a rotating theme at 5 different camps with a partner. That means that we move from camp to camp doing the same weeklong program. It is directly with the kids, which I haven't done recently except to sub. It also means planning it all, telling other staff how to do aspects of our program, and having materials and extras for kids to do all day. Way more physically active and puts all your 'kids skills' to the test. I still come home and have a nap once a week or more, especially the day we take the kids to the water park.

My suggestion really is (and coming from years of working 2 jobs and before that grad school and a job) is to examine what needs to be done and don't do the rest of it. I just recently got to watch some TV again, I have not for years. It may be relaxing however when I am struggling to get my lunch together and my pants ironed at 6 am I cannot even remember what was on TV. Pick shorter relaxing things, double duty and make being ready for every day and sleep your priorities.

[frugalone]

Thanks for listening, and for the good advice.

It IS getting a bit easier as time goes on. I have another month or so before the other job commences again so I should be settled in by then!

[awakenedsoul]

I do better with everything when my house is clean. For some reason it really stresses me out to have an messy home. I also have more energy in the morning, so getting up at 4:00 a.m. helps me to get the important tasks out of the way. Regular exercise also helps to discharge negative energy. I love a good routine...