One Year Of Full Time Hours

[The Albatross]

Yesterday I celebrated a milestone and for one year I was able to do consistently 32-45 hours a week. Granted it is two part time jobs instead of one full time job, but it's a solid accomplishment for me because it has been about 6 years (near as I can figure as my brain still fuzzes things out or blanks them) since I have been able to do this.

I would though like to be able to do it in a 5 day period instead of 7 days. So that's what I'll be working on going forward.

I broke it down to shorter shift exposures, 2 to 5 hours at a time. Those were a fixed commitment. Then I would add as I was able short notice shifts or get some on call hours for problems.

The unexpected things were difficult at first, but after the first half of last year they started getting easier.

Just wanted to say that without the support I've gotten here, I might not have been able to do this. Thanks very much.

 

[ms spock]

Congratulations @The Albatross. I have watched your hard, committed and disciplined progress. I am really pleased that all your hard work paid off.

 

[The Albatross]

Forgot too to say, that I also have been able to deal professionally alone in the home of two male clients. Considering my background (sexual traumas) and that previously I was only able to do that when I was a home health aide for 45 minutes to an hour and a half, I can also say that I've had some success in that area as well. My exposure/risk time has increased to 4 hour shifts. Small improvements are improvements none the less, right?

I have the right of refusal for my agency as a sub contractor, but was able to do the more uncomfortable thing and have been able to effectively deal with much of the stress with coping tools. It has normalized for one client, though I still get a bit hypervigilent with another from time to time.

Short, set/timed exposures with the security of knowing I have the right to refuse the assignment has helped me to be able to practice and normalize coping skills and self management.

That is why I chose to go back to my agency. I had an owner and management I could talk to if I encountered problems.

My second job is solitary and was a way to balance out the stimulation of agency assignments. I can go in with flexible hours as I am able, do my thing, and get out often with little or no interaction except for my spouse and two other employees who I trust.

 

[Maggiemay]

:) Awesome!!! After 4 months off work with severe anxiety & PTSD, I've just finished a full year's work full time :) In this time I've started a new job which has made a massive difference :) I understand how hard it can be to work full time, but without my job I'd find life a lot harder & be a lot more depressed... It's my reason to keep going & keep fighting :) x

 

[The Albatross]

Yeah the sting of knowing life would be a lot harder without work is a heck of a motivator. It was important for me to contribute to our household and ease the burden on my partner. It was also important for me to attempt/risk uncomfortable exposures so I could create new experiences and restore some sense of competency and self worth.

 

[Seasounds]

A terrific accomplishment! I celebrate with you.

It takes a lot of emotional and cognitive intelligence to navigate oneself into successful re-engagements in the world.

Sweet!

 

[The Albatross]

Thanks very much. I was supposed to be sitting at home on oxygen for the rest of my life at 40. Then rehabbed and had a near traumatic break and a set back with active isolation and agoraphobia for a year and a half while I dealt with alcoholism and rehabbed myself again. I had a doctor shove his finger in my face and tell me, "This is it for you." It hurt like hell and then I got mad. Angry enough to be willing to do or attempt to do just about anything to beat my way back to being able work full time.

He is my mother-in-law's doctor and I get a big kick out of seeing the amazement on his face. Bodies are resilient that's what I learned. So I figured brains are too. I have come a long way.

 

[ms spock]

You certainly have come along way @The Albatross

 

[ms spock]

Bodies are resilient that's what I learned. So I figured brains are too. I have come a long way.

The research is certainly coming about the neuroplasticity of the brain.