AnythingsPossible 01:17 PM 10-22-2015
Hello all! I am looking for some insight from seasoned childcare providers. I find myself in a position of great aggravation and am wondering if this to shall pass, or if I am at a point where I am just done!
I have been doing home childcare for 13 years and lately find myself annoyed with everything! I have turned into quite an ogre and have a hard time finding any joy in my day. It is affecting my home life in the aspect that at the end of the day I am so frustrated by how my day has gone that I am just angry and don't want to talk to anybody or listen to anything my own children have to say. I just want to be left alone.
Have any of you found yourselves in this position before? Am I just a burnt out old provider who needs to move on? I often think of leaving childcare behind, but employment opportunities in my area are few and far between right now, so I feel stuck in what I am doing, which probably doesn't help my frame of mind! Just wondering if anyone else has found themselves in this position before and if so, how they turned their frame of mind around.
Play Care 01:58 PM 10-22-2015
There is a great post on provider burnout - I think it's a "sticky" post at the top.
Can you make some changes? Getting rid of the worst offenders or maybe changing up your day care space? Can you shorten hours or take a week off and see how you feel after that?
Maybe start putting out resumes and filling our applications to see if you can get any bites? Or doing some volunteering at a place you may want to work?
Hope things work out for you!
Unregistered 02:31 PM 10-22-2015
I'm going on 12 years and I have gone through bouts of this over the past 5 years. I make good money so I can't quit.... I just try to stay positive. Find a mantra that you can repeat, like "I will not let my job control my attitude, especially with my family" "I will not let this ruin my day"
daycare 03:17 PM 10-22-2015
I go through phases like this and I am going on my year number 13. I find when I feel that way, I just need to take a break. and I mean from everyone.
I often will pack up and take a flight out of town or even just drive up to the city for a few days to stay in a hotel ALONE. I don't even answer my phone to my own family. I think that we are so overwhelmed with being around people day in and out that it takes a toll on us. I know it does for me.
So far, I find that every time I come back I feel refreshed and ready to get back to work with the kids. BUT if I ever came back and still felt the same way then I thnk that would be my sign that it is time to quit.
Is it possible for you to squeeze in a small break and get some time alone?
Ariana 04:39 PM 10-22-2015
I have been in childcare for 10 years and 5 as a homecare provider. Just last year I was feeling exactly like you were and I had a bit of an epiphany. My thoughts were what was creating so much stress for me. I was thinking very negatively and I was also putting a lot of pressure on myself on a daily basis to have the "perfect day". When I started to change my thoughts and just take each moment as it came with no expectations things got a LOT better.
I got a lot of help from a woman named Byron Katie and her website called "The Work" and her YouTube videos as well. Whenever I am in a slump I got to her and her techniques. She really helps you challenge your thoughts and see how you create your own misery in a lot of ways. I am not perfect of course but I am definitely much better than before! With this work I have also let go of guilt I feel about taking time for myself and taking care of me when I need it. I just booked a trip to Vegas with some girlfriends and there is no way I could do that a few years ago!
Huge hugs and all the best!
AnythingsPossible 06:13 PM 10-22-2015
I truly appreciate the insight you ladies have provided. It helps just knowing that other's have been in this position as well. The above responses all have some really great ideas.
Play Care 03:10 AM 10-23-2015
Originally Posted by Ariana:
I have been in childcare for 10 years and 5 as a homecare provider. Just last year I was feeling exactly like you were and I had a bit of an epiphany. My thoughts were what was creating so much stress for me. I was thinking very negatively and I was also putting a lot of pressure on myself on a daily basis to have the "perfect day". When I started to change my thoughts and just take each moment as it came with no expectations things got a LOT better.
I got a lot of help from a woman named Byron Katie and her website called "The Work" and her YouTube videos as well. Whenever I am in a slump I got to her and her techniques. She really helps you challenge your thoughts and see how you create your own misery in a lot of ways. I am not perfect of course but I am definitely much better than before! With this work I have also let go of guilt I feel about taking time for myself and taking care of me when I need it. I just booked a trip to Vegas with some girlfriends and there is no way I could do that a few years ago!
Huge hugs and all the best!
This is so true.
I do think it's human nature to think that the grass is always greener etc.
There are days I do think it would be awesome to work outside the home and have my home just be home. But I love being "the boss" too much to give that up