Overwhelmed

NEVER GIVE UP !!!!!

I must say, I am feeling a bit like this poor little guy at work right now. We have done some rearranging of staff and as a result, I am the only Speech Therapist left on my team. We have 101 families and 98 of them want services from me working a 4 day workweek. I am managing paperwork for 30 families on my own, where I have to meet with each family at least 2 times a year. I can't let myself think of these numbers however. I am trying to focus on one group at a time and thankfully they don't come in more than 10 at a time right now. We are working on getting me some more permanent help and just yesterday I was granted time from another speech therapist to help me run a speech group for some families who just couldn't adjust to the changes. It makes me wonder though, what is normal? These families threw a tantrum because they didn't want to change their speech times, and we cowered to their will. I have a family who informed me they are only available after 3:00pm, and one who insists we come out to their home at 8:0am when it takes us 40 mins to drive there. In what universe am I living?! I wouldn't kick and scream and insist that my dentist come to my house at 8:00am. It's so strange how people perceive that because they don't directly receive a bill for what we do that it's their right to have exactly what they want. Maybe I'm getting a small taste of how God feels? Maybe my next prayer should be a prayer of thanks rather than a prayer of request... :)

On the flip side: I love this job and wouldn't want to change it. I admire the attitude of service most of the people I work with operate under. Last Sunday the sermon was about the workplace and how 65% of workers hate what they do and are miserable at work, that Christian principles do not apply and everyone is out for themselves. I may work in the one place that the majority of people in the office truly love their job and would do it for free (if they didn't need the paycheck) and the main focus and motto of our agency is being "Dedicated to excellence through leadership and service." So, though I may be feeling overwhelmed, I am not feeling alone. My co-workers have my back and are cheering me on, and I am able to offer support to their groups and what they do in return. I'm just hoping I don't feel "caught in the birds beak" as in the picture, for too much longer.