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Starting to feel really burned out.....
Okay here's the scoop. Ever since I've gotten done with my last class, I've been working nonstop basically ever since.. Pick up a couple hrs here with this client, a few here.. Before I know it, forty hours a wk here, and after that fifty.. Now I got a second job over the summer, for some occasions. Well that lady is upset because I can't work work forth of july weekend. However she asked me to work for her! I told her I'd help her when I could.. Then the lady I take care of right now asked me to be there friday and monday when i work for the other one on wednesday... Easily this will amount to about 48 hours since the shifts are usually about 12 hours or more long. Now, my aunt has this other man with Alzheimer's she wants me to pick up a few shifts with.. Then this one man actually stopped me to ask me how much I charge when I was taking care of the lady I take care of on a regular basis.. I know I shouldn't be complaining. A lot of people want a job, and can't get one.. But then again a lot of people don't actually enjoy there "boring" time. I treasure those moments every time I get them. The problem is... I'm really started to feel all this stress taking over me emotionally & physically..... I have a vacation scheduled, and asked off for it months in advance. However they want me to hurry up and get back... I love my job, but I'm starting to feel way to much pressure. I don't need the money that, that bad... I live with my parents and don't have to pay rent or anything. All I need is money for my car insurance, gas, and phone bill. Any tips on reducing stress? Being able to say no without feeling guilty? I'm freakin out here & in way over my head.. Please! A WORD OF ADVICE!!
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Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
Dear Starting to feel really burned out.....,
Feeling burned out when your life is stressful is a common thing for many people. Lowering your stress will mean cutting back on hours. You choose to take on so much and now it is taking its toll on you.
Do something fun on your vacation. Something for you. Ignore all requests to help others until you have enjoyed some stress free time with yourself.
Others see you as a machine, not a human. You are in the 'caring field' and therefor, you cannot say no. I have been there and I have done that. I can tell you are in need of a break. Go someplace where the people are not needy. Someplace where you can lay around and have others bring you drinks, food, and massages. YOU DESERVE IT!!!
It is important that you GET AWAY, or the stress will cause you to get sick easily. You are no good to anyone if you are ill yourself.
Look into the blood-type diet for energy reserves, controlling mood swings and avoiding fatigue. You may be eating foods that are making it very hard for you to handle the stress as well. Tomatoes, chicken, pork, corn (corn products)and shelled fish are just a few of the foods that will slow you down. NO HUMAN ON THE PLANET SHOULD EAT THESE FOODS. At the basic cellular level, they are killing the human DNA.
Take care and get better soon. If you need anything you may e-mail me. I am also gifted with Tarot cards and spiritual readings, so call on me if you need some more insight into your energy's paths. 719-839-0710 MST USA
Doktor Tammy
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You must be very good at what you do to be that much in demand; for that you should be very proud of yourself.
Saying no is both the hardest and easiest thing to do. In your case I would suggest instead of just saying no; instead when asked for your services your reply be something as follows: "My schedule is full at this time I would be happy to put you on my waiting list for when I have an opening." In this way your are not truly saying no, your just saying your not available. It is the same thing but a little softer. It also allows you to keep and maintain your schedule as you desire. People understand when a professional tells them that they do not have an opening at a particular time. .
For current clients that want extra time or service you simply have to learn to say that this extra time or service cost extra. You cannot allow people to take advantage of you. When asked to provide extra services or give extra time you must learn to say something like the following: "Mrs. Smith I can make the time available to you but this is not part of our agreement, as such I will have to charge extra for this at the rate of X dollars per hour or a flat rate if you chose.
I may be reading into this some but I am getting the feeling you are somewhat young and people may be taking advantage of your youth and enthusiasm to succeed and serve. Nothing wrong with wanting your business to succeed; being taken advantage of will lead to burnout and your business will fail.
You need to set a work schedule and stick to it. This may mean cutting back on the hours you are presently give to existing clients. If so you must give them plenty of notice. I would suggest 30 days as this will give them time to make alternate arrangements. As for additional services charge extra for those. Your charge should be 1 1/2 to 2 times your normal charge for the service or time.
If you do not have a written agreement with your clients you need to start writing a contract of service with them (this is for new and existing clients). This is the professional way of doing business. Your contract of service should outline each service you provide and the cost of that service. What days you will provide that service, what hours you will be at that clients home and anything else the client asks of you that you agree is the basic part of your agreement. Then when your asked to provide an additional service, day or time you have a legal basis to charge extra.
By running your business in a professional manner you can set a schedule. Not feel obligated to provide an extra service or time not contract for, have legitimate reasons for saying no and most importantly setting aside time for yourself.
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