Life / Work · February 2, 2014 5

New Year Blues

So far 2014 hasn’t been so great. By the end of last week I just wanted to escape everything. I was contemplating quitting my job because I was so stressed out. After a three day weekend I’m feeling a little better, but I’m not looking forward to my work schedule this month. It might just possibly break me. I have been scheduled for shifts that I have specifically told my manager that I do not want to work and there are also lots of days where I have to work alone for 3 or 4 hours at a time. I specifically chose to work for a company like this because I didn’t want to ever have to work alone. I understand why the schedule is terrible; we are short staffed. But it’s the managers job to make sure we have the staff that we need, and if we don’t they shouldn’t be going away on vacations so often. We’ll see how the next few months go and maybe I’ll start thinking about making a decision. I have not been as stressed out about work since moving to Alberta over two years ago. It’s really wearing me out dealing with some of these people and am getting very close to my breaking point.

People have been telling me to quit since I moved here because of the treatment I have been given. The problem is this; I don’t like change and I don’t want to have to look for a new job. I also hate abandoning people. If only I knew what I wanted to do for work or what would be the best type of job for the skills I have, it wouldn’t be so bad. But I’m just clueless right now. I think what I would like is to work for a company that has regular hours (9-5) and gets all holidays off. I wouldn’t mind working in an office sitting at a desk every day. I don’t mind mundane tasks. I’m very organized and like to have things on time (or sooner if possible). I take deadlines very seriously.

My favorite things to do at my current and past jobs have been pricing stock. Making sure my work area is stocked up so my co-workers have the resources they need. I like counting and making sure inventory is at the numbers they are supposed to be at. I like sorting papers and making sure they are in the right places so they are easy to find when they are needed. I love office supplies and often say that is why I went into teaching. When I’m in Staples (office supply store) I always wish I had a use for everything in their store. I would love to have an office of my own.

I think another thing that may be affecting my mood lately is the weather. I’m so sick of winter right now. We’ve had snow on the ground since November and it’s so cold out that I really don’t want to be there. I miss being able to walk to work and back. The sidewalks are just too icy right now. It warmed up in the beginning of January for a few days and I was so happy. But now that it’s cold again I just want to stay home and do nothing.