Sunday, July 31, 2022

A Clear Head and A Different Perspective

I returned home on Monday night after my fun trip to Alabama to see Holly. I shared on my Runfessions post that even though I packed my running shoes, they never left the suitcase. We spent the entire weekend on the water, mostly waterskiing but also sunning and boating. It was so fun and just what I needed. While I knew that I was stressed from work and feeling burned out, I just didn't realize how much I needed a break. 

I returned to work on Tuesday with a clear head and a different perspective. Later that day, I met with my medical director to discuss some patient care issues. I told her that I am starting to consider finding something different to do. Working in healthcare is more challenging than ever. A few years ago, we were all heroes. Now people come in after 'doing their own research'. They demand treatments and refuse vaccines, filing complaints against us if we don't give them what they want. There's also the increased volume of mental health issues that we are seeing and the lack of resources available to help our patients.  The demands from upper management to see more patients, have high patient satisfaction scores, and provide good care are pushing everyone to the breaking point. 

She and I discussed the 'talking points' that management throws at us in an effort to 'help us' deal with the stress of the job: find ways to cope and maintain work/life balance. I manage my stress just fine outside of the office! By this, I mean that I work out regularly, eat well and sleep well, and I work part-time. I'm fine when I'm not at work. It's not me, it's the job. She completely agreed with me. Unless that changes--which it won't--then I need to make a change. So stay tuned while I sort that out.

Lake Jordan sunset
Weekly Rundown
Sunday: waterskiing
Monday: waterskiing
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail run 6.25 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 5.3 miles
Saturday: waterski

Running

It was back to the trails on Wednesday after a week off running. Even though I was still sore from waterskiing, it was a cool morning, so no excuses! I was excited to hit the dirt and sadly, that's exactly what I did in the last mile of my run when my foot caught a tree root. Luckily, I had taped my knee prior to the run, just to be safe. Nothing injured this time but my pride! I was able to finish my run and yes, I was happy to be done. 

This was obviously before the fall.

Friday morning was absolutely perfect and I headed to the bike path for a pavement run. While I was still a little sore from my waterskiing weekend, I felt pretty good on this run, only stopping once to walk and I runfess... a few times to snap photos. 

I loved the shadows on this run!

Strength Training

Did I mention that I was still feeling sore from all the waterskiing? When I met with SJ on Thursday, naturally, she had bicep and tricep work on the cable machine. Doh! I alternated that with 20 bench hops, 4 sets of each activity. Of course, because my hamstrings were also sore from waterskiing, she had me do RDLs holding a 20# KB, 8 on each side, alternating with 3 sets of hollow rocks. None of this made me feel worse, but I was glad she didn't have anything really intense on the plan this week!

Waterskiing

I don't think I've ever waterskied so much in my life as I did this past weekend with Holly. She joked that I was at waterskiing camp, and while yes, it felt like that (with wine and beer thrown in), it was really, really good for me. Holly is an amazing waterskier and she is a perfectionist, providing me with a lot of guidance to improve my slalom technique. She also let me try out her new Ho Skis slalom ski and it was a game changer for me, allowing me to cut deeper and ski longer than I ever have. I know she enjoyed it too because there really is no one else that she can geek out with and talk waterskiing non-stop. 

We tandem skied twice!

We did talk about other things, too, though! But I wouldn't have wanted to spend my time with Holly any other way than on the water. Running may have connected us, but waterskiing is the special sauce of our friendship. She has reignited my love of waterskiing and has proven that you are never too old to make some spray.


How was your week? Did you do anything fun? Have you ever had to make a big, potentially life-changing decision? Because if I leave my job, it won't be for another job like the one I have. 

Not to tread on Kim's weekly memes, but I have one to share that really fits the opening of this post. 


I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 




33 comments :

  1. I cannot even imagine how stressful it must be to work in healthcare these days! sounds like you are ready for something new. All of your waterskiing adventures had me reminiscing about childhood fun. I almost tried it again last week but the water was too rough for me. You look like a pro out there!

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    1. I'm definitely ready for something new. For now tho, I'm just trying to keep my attitude positive. Yes, skiing in rough water is no fun!

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  2. It blows my mind how rude people can be and it sounds like you get the worst of them. I hope you're able to adjust your sails in a way that eliminates that kind of stress. Seems like when nothing good happens when medicine mixes with business. Glad you and Holly had fun!

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    1. It was definitely nice to step back and take a little time away! We are losing providers daily. They just keep telling us we are replaceable. It's a business.

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  3. So happy to hear that you enjoyed your weekend with Holly.

    Having been a waterskiier, I get it when you say how much you love it and how sore you can be after.

    I also understand your work situation. I don't work in healthcare but I'm tired of dealing people (in my current job.)

    I hate going to work everyday. Then I think about the $$ and how it allows me to do fun things... It is sad when you only work for the paycheck. It was not this way in my previous jobs. End of rant.

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    1. The paycheck is my dilemma. We aren't ready for me to retire yet and it's hard to walk away from that kind of $$, right? I do get my rewards from patients who do appreciate what I do and I like helping people, but trying to make people happy is exhausting.

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  4. Although I don't work in the healthcare field, I can totally understand the situation. Thankfully, I love my job most days...but I learned a valuable lesson last week: taking a mid-week day of PTO will reward you with a "bonus Monday" when you return the next day, LOL. I hope things mellow out for you and you're able to find a solution.

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    1. Thanks Kim! The bar is certainly raised when you are dealing with people's health. We are certainly living in a time of distrust. I hope things turn around.

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  5. I'm so sorry you're going through so much work stress. I'm sure it's gotten much worse working in the medical field in the last few years. How wonderful to have such a great friend in Holly to allow you to get away and forget about work issues. You two are amazing water skiers and I love seeing the tandem pictures! I haven't water skied for about 40 years.

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    1. Holly is such a good waterskier and she makes me better. It's cray to think how much I've improved since I met her. I am so grateful for this connection! I don't know many people who waterski anymore.

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  6. HEE HEE! I love that meme (especially the quote by anti-vaxer Ned Flanders.) Yes, I would imagine it's really hard nowadays- I didn't realize people actually go so far as to file a complaint if you don't give them what they want. I'll be interested to hear how this all works out for you.
    I've never been waterskiing but I know it's quite a workout. You were still sore on Thursday? That's some sore muscles! Glad your latest fall on the trail was nothing serious- it happens to the best of us.

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    1. That particular complaint won't go anywhere since I documented our conversation in the chart. She misquoted me so I'm glad I covered my tracks. And yes, I'm still feeling exhausted from our time on the water!

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  7. I have reinvented myself a number of times throughout my life. I can't even imagine working in healthcare (or as a live in aide). It can be very scary, of course, but it can also be very rewarding. Life is all about evolving and growing.

    Yikes on the trip! Glad that everything is ok.

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    1. After almost 40 years as a nurse, I'm definitely aware of the risks and rewards of healthcare. It's changed dramatically and it's much more challenging than it used to be. Because everyone 'does their own research'. Glad i went to school for 7 years to do what I do, only to find out i know nothing.

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  8. Oh, Wendy, I'm sorry work has been so rough, but it's admirable how honest you're being about it, to yourself and to your manager. I hope you find something you love.

    You are such a talented waterskier! So impressive.

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    1. You are too kind! I LOVE my medical director and that makes it hard for me to begin a job search. I don't want to go somewhere worse, so I'm going to be very careful about it.

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  9. I'm really impressed with your skiing talents! I have only waterskied a few times and it was years ago. I ended up getting dragged along when I fell and I haven't had any interest in doing it again. haha!
    My current work situation came about because of a random conversation I had with my boss. I was getting burned out and we turned my job into a remote/part time situation. It really worked out well! I hope you can find the perfect mix for you!

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  10. I can't begin to imagine how stressful being in healthcare has been and continues to be. I think it's great that you are considering something new and can actually talk with your manager about it. I really hope you find something you love.

    Glad you were able to take a break with Holly!

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    1. That break really helped me reset and refocus. I'm so glad I had that time away.

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  11. It's always hard to come back from vacation, but especially when you know you are coming back to a stressful job/situation.

    That hospital meme is just....so sad but true. I give anyone that works in the medical profession a lot of credit. I get super annoyed just dealing with family members that "do they own research" to come up with nonsense, so I can't imagine how you have to stay professional, yet tell these people that they are wrong. I'm excited to see what you decide as your next step.

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    1. Now that I've made my decision to look, we'll see what I can find.

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  12. I agree will all the waterskiing comments - both of you look so professional and cool!

    Good idea about the job. My, your director and your team will miss you, Wendy! I can imagine that you are one of those people who is the heart and soul of the team.
    I'm very excited to see what you will do next - I'm sure you will find something fun and interesting.

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    1. It might take some time to find something. It's definitely hard to walk away. But I want to find the right fit.

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  13. Sending Love Your Way - So Bummed About The Job Front Feelings - Way Stoked On The Water Adventuring - Extra Treats For CoCo Girl

    Cheers

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  14. I'm so sorry about your work ... I feel for you right now. I hope you can find something that works for you.

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  15. I am so glad you had the chance to get away and disconnect. That's so vital. I'm also so glad you know your worth and are making a plan to keep yourself safe. I can't imagine what you're dealing with. We see it so much with our medical professionals and our teachers here and I am so angry for you all.

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  16. I have nothing but respect for healthcare workers. It can't be easy during a pandemic and with all the self-professed Facebook and internet health "experts" out there. I have friends in health care and they have been talking about getting burnt out too. I say make the change! It took me a long time to leave retail but once I did I haven't looked back and I won't ever go back again. It's exhausting and mentally draining and not worth my health or wellness for a paycheck. It can be scary making a huge life change but they are almost always worth it!

    I love that you had a nice weekend away without running. Sometimes that's just what you need!

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    1. You are so right and in fact, I am interviewing for a job hopefully next week. It is a step back for me, both in pay and status, but I'm hoping that it will be a good move for me. Stay tuned!

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  17. This is so hard. I reinvented myself around my 40th birthday and really love what I do most days (and earn more, but that's because I was really badly paid). I know I have to be an expert in my own health condition (endometriosis) as you are with your RA I'm sure, but I do it respectfully and having researched scientific papers / talked to my surgeon to get as much info as possible when I had my op for it. I wouldn't dream of demanding stuff then filing a complaint! I hope you find something that suits you. I reckon you could be a great person trainer!

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    1. My medical director said the same thing! I don't know if at age (almost) 60, I want to reinvent myself. I'm so close to retirement. Can I make it? It's been just crazy at work lately. I don't even know what to do anymore.

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