I'm a month in to the new job and I am exhausted. Mentally and physically exhausted.
Buggered. Drained. Knackered. Plum tuckered. Wiped out.
My new job is not only viciously kicking my butt, it is wiping the floor with me afterwards.
I know it is still early days and I am hoping it will all settle down, but lawdy, I'm just not sure if I am up to all this hard work. After I had kids I cut down to part time work (because as we all know being a mum is a full time job in itself!), but now circumstances have changed and I am back to working 5 days a week again in a high pressure management position and so, at the moment, there just doesn't seem time for much
else in my life.
And I miss my life! I miss my kids. I miss my husband. I miss my friends. I miss my home. I miss my op shopping. I miss blogging.
And whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of my new residents, I have fast come to realise that with the disadvantaged backgrounds of my clients comes a whole ton of quirks, challenging behaviours, tricky personalities, and at times overt hostilities. I'm usually OK with getting cursed at (I bet I could even give them a run for their money with my potty mouth!), but there is one gentleman who appears to have taken akin to me in the strongest way, shooting me constant filthy looks as he walks past me, muttering obscenities all the way. Not only that, but he has also taken to stealing my things. I don't think I am special. He does behave like this with everyone, but as a freshie I think I just haven't quite learnt to cope with it yet.
On the whole I have come to love so many of my new residents, really enjoy collaborating with my co-workers and am in awe of all the amazing charitable work my company does, and I have grand plans for improvements and new activities to engage and entertain. If I can keep my eyes open and stop myself from fainting from sheer exhaustion!
I wore this ensemble way back when I first started my new job, and I have to say that I look a lot fresher than I do now. Definitely didn't have the enormous bags I'm sporting under my eyes at the moment.
Pink always gives me a lift and this frock may have been completely unsuitable for our recent weather, but at least as I shivered and froze, I felt pretty.
So with all that is on my plate at the moment, I haven't had a chance to blog much, with kids, homework, and work taking precedence, and for that I am truly sorry. I try and grab spare moments to catch up on everyone's blogs but I apologise for not commenting. And as for my own blog, well, I have to attempt to squeeze a few more hours from the day and fit in some posts when I can. I adore blogging and feel so at home in the bloggy world, that I can't bear the thought of not being a part of it.
So for now, just a few happy cheerful frocks to pick me up as I groan and grumble.
I picked this buttery yellow vintage dress whilst op shopping one weekend and even though I have issues with the sleeves (I am just going to have to shorten them - I can't stand that elbow length!) I do love the sunshiny colour and geometric pattern.
And right now I need all the sunshine I can get!
Hopefully my life will settle down and I can achieve a beautiful balance of all aspects. Hmmm.
Is that really possible? Or is it always a mad scrabble of trying to fit it all in?
Any ideas on how to achieve balance? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
It sounds very hectic and exhausting, Brooke, and first months at a new job are always the hardest, as you try to get to know everyone and learn the ropes. I very much admire you for managing to work full time, I couldn't face it alongside a family, I'm far too lazy! Balance? No idea how to achieve that, and I guess it means something different for everyone. In my experience, it does tend to mean something has to be sacrificed, but we all make our own decisions about that. I hope op shopping gorgeous frocks and blogging doesn't have to go though, that would be very sad! Perhaps it's more a case of cutting back rather than cutting out?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colours, love the pink especially, and it's really good to see you! xxx
I think you are right about having to sacrifice something, but I am really hoping that cutting back rather than cutting things out will be enough. I am fine with cutting out the gym time (bloody sweating! Yuck!) but I definitely can't do without blogging and shopping for some me time. Thanks, as always, for the supportive and very insightful comments. XXX
DeleteOh dear, I'm sorry to hear that you are struggeling with your new position. but for sure it will get better soon. i just can tell you,the older you get the harder is it, to start a new job. your expectations about yourself and other people has grown and you miss your old -and well known- work enviroment.
ReplyDeletebut i also have to tell you, that i don't feel quite well with my new position i have cut down my work time ... (but i have to leave right now ... selling on the flea market today)
You get so comfortable in your ways don't you. Everything familiar and easy. It all gets turned upside down when you are new. But each days brings me a little more knowledge and a little more familiar with all the people and processes. Good luck with your new work struggles too and have fun at the market. XXX
DeleteThat first frock is a total sweetie!
ReplyDeleteUgh, new jobs are exhausting........! XXX
They really are! Bloody hell I am buggered! XXX
DeleteIsn't it fascinating how one person can loath a certain sleeve length (or hem length or neckline, etc) and another adore the very same thing. I almost never bare my upper arms in public, so I'm really drawn to dresses with sleeves that hit at least at the elbow (there's always cardigans, boleros, fur wraps, etc if they don't, but it is handy for sure when they do). I think that dress, much like the vibrant pink one, looks sensational on you. What a great pattern - it's subtly redolent of snake skin to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm deeply sorry that your new job is giving you such a beating. We miss you, but all totally understand if blogging sometimes takes a backseat for you now. Family, work, and the true priorities of life must come first and its admirable that you're putting yours as such. I don't have much to spare, I'm afraid (I have precious little at the best of times!), but I'm sending you every last ounce of energy I possibly can to help you muster through those long work days of being cursed at and having your belongings nicked - that would take the wind out of anyone's sails!
Gentle hugs,
♥ Jessica
Your lovely gentle hugs and kind words have given me a boost, so a very big thank you! XXX
DeleteWell how delicious do you look in pink! So fresh & pretty! I'm so sorry work has been such a hard slog for you lately. It must be so hard to find a happy work/life/family balance. And working with some of the more challenging members of society would be draining I imagine. I'm just happy to see you post again. Take care. Xx
ReplyDeleteI am happy to be back and posting again. I have missed everyone terribly and I do hope I can find that balance so I can continue with my blogging adventure. My residents can be a handful but the pay off is pretty great so even when I struggle with cranky people there are still lots who are delightful and lovely that make my job very worthwhile. XXX
DeleteOh my goodness! what an exhausting time, you poor thing - it is bloody knackering having a full time job and a family, it feels like spinning plates I think, it's like you don't have time to think, I really do feel for you - take it easy on yourself though, give yourself permission to not have to do some things, it's ok! guilt on top of pressure makes it worse - I have to give myself permission sometimes too - anyhoo here's a BIG HUG! blog when you can, I'm always chuffed to see you - btw gorgeous frocks Miss Brooke! x x x
ReplyDelete