Burn Out...

[nebbie]

14 weeks into my 50 week program here and I'm starting to fray around the edges.

Working 35 hours a week, school 16, massage gigs for another 9 per week.

I don't remember going to the grocery store in weeks. Normal life? What is that?

I'm certain I'm on the right path as massage is work that I love. But Jeez, I'm starting to come undone by the rigors of the schedule. Tired all the time, body's immune response is totally messed up - fighting infections, getting colds.

Sigh.

Nothing to look at here folks, Just a rant.

Edited by RoS due to inappropriate/flagged word.

 

[Supermom]

Hang in there. You're not alone if that helps!

Try to take one evening just for yourself. Eat well, go for a walk, just breathe!!! I'll keep you in my prayers!

 

[Alysha.Tigs]

Wonder what flagged word I used?

Hmmm....

I think the crux of my problem is my body is fatigued and when health fails, all else is lost.

Maybe I'll get some sleep in September.

 

[Rosalie]

You are officially in massage school hell, and, it is a toughy, BUT, the light at the end of the tunnel is that you will be able to enter the profession you are drawn too.

When I was in school, family, friends, my husband, healthcare practitioners, etc NEVER saw me without some form of school book no matter where I went.......... movies, family gatherings, work, etc. There was absolutely no escaping the monster that massage school can be, especially if you are trying to soak up as much knowledge as you can while you are there.

It is very, very daunting. All of us on this board have gone through what you are going through in one form or another and survived even though, at the time, it felt like we would never have a "normal" life again. You will get through it. Honest you will, and it will be one of the best tests of your character and strength of will that you will survive in your lifetime.

Hang in there, we are here to offer you support whenever you need it.

:massage:

 

[Absolute Rotter]

Wonder what flagged word I used?

aww, you're so tired you don't even know what you're sayin :?

I think the crux of my problem is my body is fatigued

man! no wonder with that schedule + 9 hours a week of massage, is this in clinic? why so many?

Most of us can relate to the working plus school. I was a tutor and I worked in a grocery store, not to mention seeing my massage clients during my second year (I was already licensed).

Cat naps got me through the day. After class I would set the alarm on my cell phone and zonk out. When the alarm went off, I headed across campus to tutor. After tutoring, I change my clothes for the store, drive there and set the alarm and nap in my car.

and when health fails, all else is lost.

Fortunately, my health didn't fail me. Protein bars & drinks, vitamin C, zinc, echinacae, Vitamin B complex. Water, water, water. massageplanetfeine never worked for me. It was probably the adrenalin rush of the alarm going off after I just got to sleep, lol.

However, my sanity did leave: I walked out on the grocery store job, in a classic "Take this job and shove it" way.

but all was not lost, it was just different. I was honored with the Dean's award and got my Associate's Degree in Applied Science/Therapeutic Massage, plus I had my credits to renew my license.

Honestly assess your situation and see what can give, because if you don't, your body will stop you in your tracks and say "enough!". Your "all is lost" situation will be you're stuck in bed and can't do anything at all (September's sleep?).

 

[Pompal 09.]

(((((BIG HUG))))))

Yeah. I remember the massage school marathon........and when I went back in the dark ages (1989), it wasn't even a fraction of probably what you're doing. But I worked full time, and my normal work commute was an hour a day, and school added another full hour to the commute. I've no idea how I survived. I also got so stressed I developed a really rare neurological disorder that caused blurred vision. Yikes! The things our bodies do.................

but hang in there. Someday you'll be "looking back" and you'll be so amazed at your tenacity. And you'll hopefully still be equally in love with your profession!

savannah

 

[Tada!(sparklesparkle)]

Thank you one and all for the outreach of support.

I recognize my biggest problem is simple Fatigue (capital F intentional)

I have two hours to commute from my office job, walk the dog at home, change clothes, get organized and commute to school. If the stars align, I end up with 20 minutes for a nap. That comes in handy for this old man.

My massage gigs are twofold. One is a NHI mandated externship, the other is a spa job I've had for over a year. (I am licensed, met the minimum requirement for licensure in SF, now back in school to sit for Nationals.) I can give up the externship in September, and I hate to lose all massage income since I am paying multiple Gs for tuition. Hence the comment about being able to sleep come September.

I'll survive, keeping my eye on the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm wanting more clarity about what my next step is...do I establish a practice here in SF, move, transition quickly or slowly....all in due time I suppose.

 

[ellen degenitals]

I'll survive, keeping my eye on the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm wanting more clarity about what my next step is...do I establish a practice here in SF, move, transition quickly or slowly....all in due time I suppose.

A few thoughts, if I may...

Prepare everything at the begining of the week... food, clothes, wash, etc. and then have general stacks piled up to grab and go. It may help you this last month. I know, it sounds like a childish thing to do, but it may simplify just even a few minutes and that would be worth it.

Get in a nap whenever possible.

Talk to EgoMajickian... he's somewhere in SanFran... maybe ya'll can work together or something.


Oh, yeah... and know we're rooting for you!!! t109

 

[[email protected]]

I'm right there with you at the moment. 9 hours of school per week and 30hrs per week spent working outside the home with 2 young kids too.

Some days I think I am losing my mind and the laundry? Forgetaboutit. lol

Just a few short weeks till break and I can make it! I see the finish line to this semester!

We can do it!

OPPS! had to edit my post for the hours I attend school lol. I AM tired if I can't even figure out how many hours per week I spend there t081

 

[groovybug]

I agree with this.

Honestly assess your situation and see what can give, because if you don't, your body will stop you in your tracks and say "enough!". Your "all is lost" situation will be you're stuck in bed and can't do anything at all (September's sleep?).

In my opinion my health was crucial. Taking 4 classes + clinic my last semester, which could have been and was for some people upwards of 16 additional hours per week, was over my limit physically. I took an incomplete for clinic and finished in up in the weeks after school was over. As much as I'd have loved to be done in May I recognized that it wasn't possible for me. I'm glad taking an Incomplete was an option at my school.

In any case take care of yourself and good luck. the end is in sight if Sept is when you are done.

 

[dontknowlawns]

Not being an exactly spring chicken when I went to school, I can totally empathize with you. Just know that what you're doing is what you're suppose to be doing and hang in there.

As far as having a normal life, I don't think I've ever had one so I'm not sure how to respond. :shock: 8)

 

[Aaron]

Man good luck.

I worked full time and went to school also. Although the most I ever took in a quarter was eight hours a week of classes. Took me two and a half years to get through. You'll be glad you did.


Jason

 

[Rachelle]

Alas, my HALFWAY point is Sept 22. The end is either March or April 2009.

The better news is this, I slept last night for six hours, soundly. It's been a few weeks since I've had six hours of restful, non illness adulterated sleepy time. Now if I can co-opt a way to get another 60! A man can dream...

Thanks for the support here, one and all.

 

[mnkypprs]

Half way through school myself, and oh I know all about the burnout as well. Between working, school, clinicals, and not to mention all the studying in between...it doesn't take long to hit the wall. Some of the other students in my class have done the same, so we try to encourage each other. But, I know it is worth it, cause I finally found something in life that I am really excited about. I just learn everything quick enough.

 

[LookForward]

Hang in there and the nap advice is golden!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Actually -just start saying no and learn to say it more.

Overdoing it when you are only in massage school isn't really a good sign for your future.

Being a massage therapists is more about learning to take care of yourself. What good are you if you are too fatigued to give a good massage and take care of your family.

I quit my job to go to massage school and only worked part time. I had saved enough to do so. Start thinking ahead or you won't last long in this profession.


Julie

 

[Andrew]

Update

Looking back on this post, I recognize that I was indeed doing too many things. I quit my Saturday massage gig and finished my externship obligation.

Last month, I finished the first half of school with a letter of excellence. Six weeks into the second half, I'm feeling like I'll survive.

Thanks for all the support!

 

[striker]

If I can do it I KNOW you can do it!! Our second semester seemed the hardest for everyone in my class. At least half of the class broke down and cried at some point during that semester. It wasn't that the class work was any harder, I guess we all had gotten to our worn out point. I was working midnights while I was going to school, and taking care of my 3 kiddos while they were out for summer break the days I didn't go to school. I didn't know what sleep was, and it hurt me bad!!

Take some time out for you. Pick out a few funny movies to watch in your spare time if you can find it. Maybe even a sad one to help you cry. Once each of us actually cried we did a lot better. I guess that sounds horrible but it worked.

Another thing I did to help me lighten up a little bit was buying some glitter pens. I love those things. So I started taking notes with them in class and at home. Using all different colors. It may have looked dorky but it was fun fun fun.

You'll get there!!