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!