Stress in the workplace
For workers everywhere, the troubled economy may feel like an emotional roller coaster. "Layoffs" and "budget cuts" have become bywords in the workplace, and the result is increased fear, uncertainty, and higher levels of stress.
Not only are we experiencing the effects of the economy but our students are being pushed to a "breaking" point. So, dealing with our own personal stress is exacerbated by aiding them.
That sounds like a tough spot to be in Cynthia. Your are not alone. Many instructors are working semester to semester, not certain if they will have work in the future. It's a tough economy - even in education. Ideally things will get better but I understand what a stressful experience this must be for you.
Over the last few years every spring I have gotten the "We don't know if we will need you next term" speech. I have stressed because we have kids in college and just bought a house after several years of renting. Finally this year I told them to either fire me, lay me off or leave me alone. I said this as nice and respectful as possible at the beginning of the speech and since then I have not heard a word about not needing me. I received my contract (we are all year to year) just like everyone else. I do try to keep my skills up to date and I am always checking out possible new teaching positions, just in case.
I agree that it is hard to stay motivated when work is the cause of our stress. We can go about the motions of doing our jobs, but the difficulty is in rediscovering our passion and staying focused.
I have had the same experience. I calmly say that topic is off track, and it is time to get back to lecture. I let the student know they can talk to me about the issue during my office hours. I haven't had a student actually come to office hours to talk about their anger with the administration. I feel very demoralized, though, because I often agree there are serious issues.
That sounds frustrating Mary. It's hard when students are focused on administrative issues instead of learning. We've got to find a way to redirect their attention to more productive topics.
I do agree with you. The worst thing for me is to continue to have a good attitude on a daily basis. It is hard to be positive everyday. Organizaion is what I do well. Motavation is a concern.
This has happened at my school. After five years of happy employment, I am being laid off. It is my age that I believe will hinder me the most at getting a new job. I still have five months to prepare for job seeking.
The stress I experience is the constant complaining of the students about things I can't change. For example they have issues with administration regarding the way the program is run and want to interupt class to complain.
Yes, I am experiencing stress related to recent downsizing of the company I work for. It is difficult seeing people you have worked with for years get let go. It certainly adds to anxiety and trying to do your job effectively. When you are emotionally drained it effects your ability to stay organized and manage time.
Yes, and the trick is for instructors who may feel related stress themselves to put that off the side before entering the classroom...so they can attend to the business of the day. If that business happens to include students sharing worries about jobs, the instructor needs to be able to keep the focus on them. Sometimes, just letting students own their concerns is enough; sometimes, basic guided analysis is needed; at other times, referrals to career and personal counseling need to be made. Regardless, the focus must be on student needs--not instructor needs.
