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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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 Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:10 pm Post subject: I have Hypertension Now--Stress at the Workplace |
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I work at an after school and for those that do can understand those kids turn a deaf ear to you a lot of times despite you yelling at them to sit down, pay attention, do your work, etc. It stresses me out and on the other hand I could just say, "well I get paid either way if they learn or not," but that's not me--I have to be accountable to the parents I see everyday picking up their kids and ensuring them I'm doing all that I can to teach their kids, and I also have to be accountable to myself and my conscience.
I have become inaudible and invisible most times throughout to many classes and my stress has gone though the roof. It probably doesn't help that I've been teaching the same kids for 2 1/2 years. Maybe I need a change of scenery.
Anyway, I recently had a bad headache (only on one side of my head) in the middle of class this week, with pain and pressure behind my right eye and felt dizzy, sweaty and confused. I thought I was having a freaking stroke right there in the middle of class. I had to walk to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It was kind of scary.
It is absolutely due to stress I believe. I feel depressed because I hate my job but I'm stuck here because my wife has a great job here and I have a baby on the way. I'm 31 year old.
Anyway, I told my wife about it and she insisted I stop with her at the doctor's after work. So I did.
My blood pressure was 150/90 at the doctor's office. It's never been that high, I was always 120's/70's back home. I do weigh 100 kilos though, but I'm tall. I wouldn't say that I'm fat, but could lose 10 kg or so.
Anyway, this kind of freaked me out and the doc put me on some blood pressure pills to get it down. And all the while I'm thinking, "are these kids and occupation even worth all this--my health for God's sake?" It's just gotten to the point each day after the first 2 classes I feel the headache creeping at the door waiting to come out unless I pull back the exertion on my body and voice.
Anyway, keep alert on your blood pressure, we don't need anyone blowing an artery and having a stroke over this profession. One of the most stressful professions (if you take your job seriously and want to make a difference) out there. There's just something about the way kids ignore me even though I'm right in their face that sends my blood pressure through the roof. Sometime I feel why should I even bother and just give them hidden pictures worksheets to do all day. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Teaching the same kids for that long (especially at the same institution in Korea) can get really wearing. If your wife's job is really that great, could you afford to quit your job and take some time to find something better? As a certified teacher with an F-6, I would think you'd have a lot of options available to you. One thing I've realized: it's really not worth killing yourself over a thankless, dead end job, particularly if it's one you loath. |
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No_hite_pls
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Location: Don't hate me because I'm right
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:27 pm Post subject: |
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Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Work stress IMO is the reason why men traditionaly live 8 years less than women. You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is the one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday.
Last edited by No_hite_pls on Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:38 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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No_hite_pls
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Location: Don't hate me because I'm right
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| Teaching the same kids for that long (especially at the same institution in Korea) can get really wearing. If your wife's job is really that great, could you afford to quit your job and take some time to find something better? As a certified teacher with an F-6, I would think you'd have a lot of options available to you. One thing I've realized: it's really not worth killing yourself over a thankless, dead end job, particularly if it's one you loath. |
Thanks for the advice, but I just can't afford to quit work right now because we had a lot of bills and things we had to pay for up front and have a lot of things coming up that we have to pay for, too. I wish I could, but I just can't at the moment. I just have to take it easy without appearing like I'm being lazy and not doing my job in the classroom AND without them eating me alive at the same time. Because it's like sharks that smell blood in the water, if you're not on top of your game, they will take advantage of it and run the class into the ground. |
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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| No_hite_pls wrote: |
Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Why do you think men live 8 years less than women? The answer is work stress, You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday. |
You're absolutely right about the cultural stress. I told my wife exactly what you said before about "put on show" every time I step out my door. It's like a stage with a spotlight on me at all times. All attention and stares on me. Just gets annoying sometimes and times that by 10 if I'm out with my wife. |
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject: |
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I miss Florida, thanks for the vid. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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| Dodge7 wrote: |
| northway wrote: |
| Teaching the same kids for that long (especially at the same institution in Korea) can get really wearing. If your wife's job is really that great, could you afford to quit your job and take some time to find something better? As a certified teacher with an F-6, I would think you'd have a lot of options available to you. One thing I've realized: it's really not worth killing yourself over a thankless, dead end job, particularly if it's one you loath. |
Thanks for the advice, but I just can't afford to quit work right now because we had a lot of bills and things we had to pay for up front and have a lot of things coming up that we have to pay for, too. I wish I could, but I just can't at the moment. I just have to take it easy without appearing like I'm being lazy and not doing my job in the classroom AND without them eating me alive at the same time. Because it's like sharks that smell blood in the water, if you're not on top of your game, they will take advantage of it and run the class into the ground. |
I got you. I don't know how helpful this is, as far as advice goes, but if it really sucks that much, I'd recommend trying to lay the groundwork for your next step, if possible. Also, given your visa status, couldn't you job search while at your current job and possibly switch over with thirty days notice once you find something? Forgive me if I'm asking obvious questions that you've already answered. |
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jonpurdy
Joined: 08 Jan 2009
Location: Ulsan
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:43 pm Post subject: |
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Two suggestions: additional training and exercise.
If you don't have a TEFL or any certs at all, maybe look into getting them. After two years of teaching there I got my TEFL for the pay bump but ended up learning a bit as well and forcing me to rethink some of the stuff that I did. Alternatively, grab a book or two on ESL teaching and see if you can get some ideas from the book. Kids often misbehave due to boredom; and if you're bored, they probably are too. So you could kill two birds with one stone by spicing up your lessons. Finally, if you don't already, try to make your class a more student-centered one. Start off with a brief intro but get them doing group activities very quickly. This is fun for them and saves you from having to manage them while you give them a long lesson. If you've already done all of this (which you might have since you've probably been teaching for awhile) I apologize.
Secondly, get to the gym and lift some weights. Or go for a run/bike/swim. Exercise is the easiest way to reduce stress and make yourself healthier. Even though some days you just feel way too tired just go and you'll end up feeling much better over time. And do what you like to do; if lifting weights is boring then swim. I hate running so I bike instead.
My apologies if these things seem overly obvious but I figured I'd throw them out there. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 5:45 pm Post subject: |
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| jonpurdy wrote: |
Two suggestions: additional training and exercise.
If you don't have a TEFL or any certs at all, maybe look into getting them. After two years of teaching there I got my TEFL for the pay bump but ended up learning a bit as well and forcing me to rethink some of the stuff that I did. Alternatively, grab a book or two on ESL teaching and see if you can get some ideas from the book. Kids often misbehave due to boredom; and if you're bored, they probably are too. So you could kill two birds with one stone by spicing up your lessons. Finally, if you don't already, try to make your class a more student-centered one. Start off with a brief intro but get them doing group activities very quickly. This is fun for them and saves you from having to manage them while you give them a long lesson. If you've already done all of this (which you might have since you've probably been teaching for awhile) I apologize.. |
He's a certified teacher. |
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pegasus64128
Joined: 20 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject: |
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| Dodge7 wrote: |
| No_hite_pls wrote: |
Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Why do you think men live 8 years less than women? The answer is work stress, You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday. |
You're absolutely right about the cultural stress. I told my wife exactly what you said before about "put on show" every time I step out my door. It's like a stage with a spotlight on me at all times. All attention and stares on me. Just gets annoying sometimes and times that by 10 if I'm out with my wife. |
That's because you don't matter. People over here know damn well that there's a powerful elite in the West - bankers and big business in it with the military. Most of the people here have the little green man / victim complex about that, and target their rage at you out of jealousy even though you're not a powerful member of any club and probably are less powerful than them. They just need someone to vent at, and it's you - actually they target your wife out of cowardice, and because they are lower than low. It's the ultimate cheap shot but it's acceptable here. Just remind yourself why they do it - because they're Losers. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:12 pm Post subject: |
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| pegasus64128 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
| No_hite_pls wrote: |
Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Why do you think men live 8 years less than women? The answer is work stress, You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday. |
You're absolutely right about the cultural stress. I told my wife exactly what you said before about "put on show" every time I step out my door. It's like a stage with a spotlight on me at all times. All attention and stares on me. Just gets annoying sometimes and times that by 10 if I'm out with my wife. |
That's because you don't matter. People over here know damn well that there's a powerful elite in the West - bankers and big business in it with the military. Most of the people here have the little green man / victim complex about that, and target their rage at you out of jealousy even though you're not a powerful member of any club and probably are less powerful than them. They just need someone to vent at, and it's you - actually they target your wife out of cowardice, and because they are lower than low. It's the ultimate cheap shot but it's acceptable here. Just remind yourself why they do it - because they're Losers. |
Even on a site with surplus of paranoia, this is one of the most paranoid posts I've ever read. |
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luckylady
Joined: 30 Jan 2012
Location: u.s. of occupied territories
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:15 pm Post subject: |
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| jonpurdy wrote: |
Secondly, get to the gym and lift some weights. Or go for a run/bike/swim. Exercise is the easiest way to reduce stress and make yourself healthier. Even though some days you just feel way too tired just go and you'll end up feeling much better over time. And do what you like to do; if lifting weights is boring then swim. I hate running so I bike instead.
My apologies if these things seem overly obvious but I figured I'd throw them out there. |
this is actually excellent advice.
I, too, developed hypertension after moving overseas. always had very low pressure before, was shocked when I was told about it.
how do you get to work ? can you walk further, or ride a bike? same for getting home - try to take time in your commute to just stretch your legs and relax; it will help a lot.
the point is to get your bp under control first, then work on the stress that's causing it. try not to raise your voice, that definitely makes it go up. work on other techniques to get the students' attention and always, always remind yourself that it is YOUR health that's more important, not them. |
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:16 pm Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| jonpurdy wrote: |
Two suggestions: additional training and exercise.
If you don't have a TEFL or any certs at all, maybe look into getting them. After two years of teaching there I got my TEFL for the pay bump but ended up learning a bit as well and forcing me to rethink some of the stuff that I did. Alternatively, grab a book or two on ESL teaching and see if you can get some ideas from the book. Kids often misbehave due to boredom; and if you're bored, they probably are too. So you could kill two birds with one stone by spicing up your lessons. Finally, if you don't already, try to make your class a more student-centered one. Start off with a brief intro but get them doing group activities very quickly. This is fun for them and saves you from having to manage them while you give them a long lesson. If you've already done all of this (which you might have since you've probably been teaching for awhile) I apologize.. |
He's a certified teacher. |
lol how did you know that? |
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pegasus64128
Joined: 20 Aug 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 6:17 pm Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| pegasus64128 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
| No_hite_pls wrote: |
Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Why do you think men live 8 years less than women? The answer is work stress, You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday. |
You're absolutely right about the cultural stress. I told my wife exactly what you said before about "put on show" every time I step out my door. It's like a stage with a spotlight on me at all times. All attention and stares on me. Just gets annoying sometimes and times that by 10 if I'm out with my wife. |
That's because you don't matter. People over here know damn well that there's a powerful elite in the West - bankers and big business in it with the military. Most of the people here have the little green man / victim complex about that, and target their rage at you out of jealousy even though you're not a powerful member of any club and probably are less powerful than them. They just need someone to vent at, and it's you - actually they target your wife out of cowardice, and because they are lower than low. It's the ultimate cheap shot but it's acceptable here. Just remind yourself why they do it - because they're Losers. |
Even on a site with surplus of paranoia, this is one of the most paranoid posts I've ever read. |
Good.
Justifiably so. I'm not blind. |
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