Job Loss and Ulcers

[Finn Wisdom]

Haven't posted in a while. Figured I'd better try to stay in the habit and help Paul make some cash off the embedded ads on this forum.

I am usually upbeat and optimistic and like that about myself. Weathered the 2nd divorce a year ago and have been building a life back around me and the kids. Things are going fairly well until 1) dad's medical issues result in him being placed in long-term care and I have to administer his care from 4 hours away despite having two sisters within an hour of him, 2) Daughter Eve shows more signs of anxiety and panic disorder over 'small things' like getting out of the truck on school mornings at drop off rather than me walking her in, so we start therapy, 3) begin to feel the burn of trying to see girlfriend more often, despite her living 1300 miles away, 4) and as of this Feb, my school district along with most others in Texas, has hit the economic wall and announced that we have to lay-off 1000+ teachers, me being one of them.

Laying off teachers is no fun because it's people making decisions based on financial projection and the effect of previous poor planning and the people with little voice (teachers and students) get pounded. I am a pretty successful teacher-trainer, present on the national level, have fantastic relationships with all of my schools that I work with, then me and all of my co-workers get axed because of state and local politics. Sucks.

Earlier this week, I began to recognize the symptoms of an ulcer and slowly the signs of what some call depression are setting in. I am working hard to avoid the stress, but it's not easy right now.

venting is done now. writing used to help with life stress. i guess i need to practice that skill again.

Finn