Hi everyone. I really need those of you to pray to say some prayers for me and my family for a few things. I am under so much stress that I'm near a nervous breakdown. My new full-time job is way more than I can do, physically, mentally, and emotionally. If I could work 24 hours a day, I couldn't get done all the work I have to get done.

I know someone did it before I did, but she was there 15 years, and when she started, the load wasn't quite so big. Now the load is for 2 people but since it's a church/school, they can't afford to pay another person, and I don't get paid much at all. I didn't get any training for it, I just got tossed in, and I don't know what I'm doing but people expect me to do things like I know how to do them, and I don't get help.

I'm breaking down crying at work daily (which isn't me at all,) I've been sick 3 times in the last couple of months, I'm exhausted, and I just can't get caught up. Then, I'm getting into conflicts with people when I don't want conflicts, I just want to be left alone so I can do my work.

We had a bad storm last night and it did a lot of damage to the town. My little brother called me up this afternoon (he's home alone with the dogs because my parents are already up north) and the tree in their front yard split and landed on top of the convertible and his car that were sitting in the driveway. Then the basement backed up with water and he can't flush the toilets, take a shower, give the dogs a drink, anything.

I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to go to Wisconsin for my cousin's wedding. His dad, my uncle, is dying of cancer (at 55) and it's really hard on us all. They were going to rent a medical van and get him a wheelchair so he could see Sean get married. I just found out this afternoon that he's not going to be there. He got another infection so he has to stay back home in the hospital. He very likely isn't going to be around much longer and I don't even get to say goodbye now.

God says he won't give us any more than we can bear, but I can't take any more. I feel like giving up. And my dad says "you can't just quit your job every time you have a bad day" but this isn't one bad day. It's since I started 2 months ago. And I don't really WANT to quit my job, I just want people to have more realistic expectations of me and give me a little help.

I gotta go because I have a ton of stuff to do and not enough time to do it. We haven't packed, done laundry, bought an outfit to wear at the wedding, anything. Please pray for me and my family. Thanks girls.

Oh, Weezle, you are in my prayers. It seems like you are really overwhelmed right now. It sounds like a different job would make things a lot easier on you. Please know we are here for you.

I was wondering where you'd been, and was about to post asking if anyone knew how you are doing. I'm so sorry about the pressure. Can you talk to your boss? Maybe they could ask for volunteers to do some of the things you have to do? I don't know how your church is for volunteering, but I know my church usually readily chips in and helps, either volunteering or fundraising. Failing that, it sounds like time to find a new job. I think that when you are crying every day and on the verge of a breakdown, that means that this job isn't for you. For the sake of your mental and physical health, something has to change.

I'll keep you in prayers. Good luck!

I had another thought - I don't know what the rules are for your school (I'm assuming from what you said that it is a private Christian school associated with your church?), but I know a private Christian school near my house requires parents to contribute a certain amount of volunteer time each year. It is mandatory, and I assume that there is a penalty equivalent to paying staff for those hours if you do not contribute your time. Maybe your school could adopt a similar policy? If so, then perhaps some of the workload could be redistributed.

Hi Weezle,
((((((((((Hugs)))))))))!! Wow that is a lot of stress...just the job alone is, but then you add everything else into the mix and it would be very overwhelming!!!
I had a job like that once Weezle...I got thrown into OR at the hospital and was the manager of the OR no less...with no experience in management or in the operating room...suddenly I was the boss...and I knew nothing...
I tried talking, listening, writing notes, complaining, etc etc etc for 3 years. It not only never got any better, it got worse. At first (the first two months I had 3 weekends off call...after that for the rest of the three years I only had two additional weekends off call). I learned a lot from the experience. I left the job, finding out that they really appreciated what I had done, after I left. You know what your limitations are and what you can handle!
I would suggest you talk to the pastor, or whoever you need to talk to, to see if there was some way you could get help for certain things you now do. I.e. parishoners could print/fold church bulletins, type, help file etc. Maybe you would be surpised by the amount of support they would offer and it could make the job manageable!! If that doesn't help or if they wont offer help, then maybe it is time to move on and find something where you will have the support you need to be able to at least tolerate, even if you don't enjoy the work you are doing!! Crying because you are so overwhelmed is a good sign that you are in over your head!! I hope they are willing to help you "float above the water"...
As for the rest I am a prayer warrior and will be happy to pray for your family!!! And you job of course!!! Where two or more are gathered!!! I hope you have a wonderful time at the wedding and that you will be blessed Wezzle!!!
(((((((((hugs and blessings!!))))))))))
Karla

Weezle, you will definitly be in my thoughts and prayers. That is a lot on your plate right now. I think Heather and Karla have some great advice for you on the job front. I would only add that you should keep your heart and mind open to any new possibilities that may come your way if you can't find happiness at this job. Life is too short to have your job cause you so much distress.

(((Big Hus))))

I will keep you in my thoughts... sounds like a very tough time indeed

Weezle, I'm so sorry. I will certainly keep you in my prayers, dear girl.

{{{Weezle}}} - I'm so glad you thought so much of us to post such a personal turmoil. I do believe that god will not give us more than we can bear, but I also do not believe that we have to just settle for what we're given. Keep in mind that there are certain stressful situations in our lives that we have the ability to change, and it seems like there's a lot of room for improvement in your work situation right now. I agree with the rest of the girls...ask for help, throw out some creative ideas, and try not to get caught up in the emotion of it all. If, in the end, you don't get the help that you need to do your job adequately and feel good about it then it may be time to look elsewhere.

As for the things that you have no control over, keep this in mind: It's not the quantity that you give to someone in need, it's the quality. I'm not a huge bible buff but there is a passage I remember from my childhood that really seems to ring true in your situation...I'm sure I don't have the wording right but the jist of it is that one who gives of their worth (or what they are able to give) is looked upon far more favorably than one who simply gives to be seen giving. If all you can do is give your uncle a call or send a card...then make sure you do that, because it WILL be taken to heart.

Be gentle on yourself, Weezle. With the whirlwind of events going on right now it's easy to take yourself for granted. Steal a moment to just breathe and regroup every once in a while...get a fresh perspective.

Sending some good ol' healing vibes your way, hon.

You're in our thoughts and prayers

Hi Weezle, I'm sorry to hear about all of your troubles. It's easy to get so overwhelmed when there is so much going on!

On the job front - the volunteers that shortie mentioned is not a bad idea. Back home at my church people volunteer for everything. Surely someone could put forth an hour or two to help with folding brochures or whatever the need may be. It's worth talking to them and asking them about maybe. I would definately talk to someone if I were you. Trust me when I say no job is work risking your health for, ok!

I'm sorry to hear about your Uncle. I know how that is. I lost my mom at age 52 due to cancer in 2002, so I can relate. It is *very* hard but you have to remember that its out of your hands and in the arms of someone / something much greater. Whatever you do - don't spend your time dwelling on the things you didn't get to do before he got too sick and don't have any regrets! Sure there are many things I would have done differently had I known that my mom wouldn't have been here 4 months later - but I also know that my mom would want me to focus on the good times, and great memories, and hold no regrets to what I did not get to do before she went to heaven.

Hang in there k, you will make it! You can always say what Whitley Gilbert use to say on that show "A Different World" when you start to feel overwhelmed - "Relax, Relate, Release"!!

Weezle - I am thinking of and praying for you! You have too much to think about and worry about! It sounds like everybody cares and wants to help you get through this. You've received some good advice and loving words. Just remember that we are all here for you! You have friends!

I don't have anything else to add except the mantra my mother taught me when I was having problems in my life: "This too shall pass." Whenever I feel like I am faced with an insurmountable problem, I take a deep breath and repeat that to myself over and over. It makes me feel better.

Thinking of you!

Oh Weezel,sorry to hear about your heavy cross. Just remember the Lord is near you and he will help you carry your cross. Sending [[[[possitive thoughts & good vibes ]]]]your way,and of course you'll in my prayers Hugs BB

So Many words of wisdom and healing posted here Weezle Darlin'.. All I can add is that I've be thinking of you and send you my strength and healing thoughts.. This to shall pass, and all those other cliches..but they are cliches for a reason.. ................................Tis true.