Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Death and depression is not all in a days work


After eight years as a relief driver I had "Relieved" so much there was a danger of 'going over the edge'.  A near accident in waiting could have had really nasty results. 
  • I am on call odd hours and for long stretches at a time.
    • 7day shift of roughly 12 hours long
      • add three part night and early morning shift additions to day shift requirements.
    • Wearing me out.
    • At end of week money was good  but per hour equalled less than $7.00 per hour [less taxes].
  •  At least I am home based during the call out periods. 
    • being stuck at home/ in town is confining and often is.
  • There is a car attached to the job.
    •  In between call outs I can stop at one persons or another.
  • Communication methods are
      • Basic surface level often repetitive between customers. 
    •  Conversation limited though to the call outs though. 
  • Diet and refreshment periods are literally always interrupted.
    • It has come down to me taking a take away cup and lid with me. 
    • Often a cuppa is poured into this just in case I disappear again. 
  • Limited sustained contact with friends and family.
    • Friends have got use to this drop in gone again visit. 
  • Outside of work interests are also restricted / limited.
    • Creating a garden has been important as well.
      •  Life being so irratic my diet is helped as I can just go out and nibble while weeding or planting.
      •  The lawn does not get done as often as I like though.
    •  Being creative with my web pages satisfies another out let. 
    • Then theres the house work. Enough said.
  • Can bring on depression factors.
    •  It seems that a cloud lifts when I get my hands dirty.
    • Reactions to circumstances have 
      • a shorter time fuse.
      • Large variations of 'reactions'.
  • Prioritising 
    •  I have learned what I will be worried about and other things thats just are there anyway.
  • Summarize
    •  1) get out side, 2) be creative and 3)prioritise. 
  • Take action... Leave!