Thank you for this post, Robin. Do you see anything substantially shifting at work now that the launch has happened? Is there room to pull back a bit? I mean, the assholes will still be the assholes, but to gain back some time and energy would be something.
What worries me about all this is not just the mental health toll (which is tremendous and potentially frightening), but the physical health risks. Folks in your work situation but also with your work ethic are often prone to things like ME/CFS and Long COVID. When your defenses are down, viral infections or trauma can work to keep you down for years. I speak from experience; I had a high stakes non-profit executive job and the two weeks before I got sick were the hardest I’d ever worked. Four years later, here I am still down, and with no career and none of my former hobbies. And trans folks are at the disproportionately highest risk of long COVID, a study found. I think it’s great that you saw what was happening and took the time off that you did. I do worry about what you’re heading back into.
Your bravery and heart shine through your writing. I hope a better balance is somehow in your future 💛
I honestly wish something at work would improve, but I'm not holding my breath. My health and well-being are my responsibility. Nobody is coming to save me. And it feels sad to admit that, but it's the truth.
It's funny you should mention ME/CFS... I've been concerned that my health could take a turn if I don't step back, and I'm well aware that I'm at a higher risk of something like that. I wasn't aware that trans folks are also in a higher risk group. I'll have to read up on that one.
Modern life certainly does take a toll on us. Being old enough to remember how things used to be, life was simpler and slower paced. Some would say better, but it was definitely not like those old tv shows. Women were subservient until we got "liberated". Well, enough of that. Robin, I hope that you will find a balance that works for you. Wishing you the best.
Simpler and slower paced sounds good in its own ways, but "better" is truly subjective. I would love to find a balance that feels nicer, but I know I'm not the only one who struggles with that.
Thank you for this post, Robin. Do you see anything substantially shifting at work now that the launch has happened? Is there room to pull back a bit? I mean, the assholes will still be the assholes, but to gain back some time and energy would be something.
What worries me about all this is not just the mental health toll (which is tremendous and potentially frightening), but the physical health risks. Folks in your work situation but also with your work ethic are often prone to things like ME/CFS and Long COVID. When your defenses are down, viral infections or trauma can work to keep you down for years. I speak from experience; I had a high stakes non-profit executive job and the two weeks before I got sick were the hardest I’d ever worked. Four years later, here I am still down, and with no career and none of my former hobbies. And trans folks are at the disproportionately highest risk of long COVID, a study found. I think it’s great that you saw what was happening and took the time off that you did. I do worry about what you’re heading back into.
Your bravery and heart shine through your writing. I hope a better balance is somehow in your future 💛
I honestly wish something at work would improve, but I'm not holding my breath. My health and well-being are my responsibility. Nobody is coming to save me. And it feels sad to admit that, but it's the truth.
It's funny you should mention ME/CFS... I've been concerned that my health could take a turn if I don't step back, and I'm well aware that I'm at a higher risk of something like that. I wasn't aware that trans folks are also in a higher risk group. I'll have to read up on that one.
Here’s a good place to start. Miles is a gay journalist who has Long COVID and has written extensively about it. https://www.them.us/story/long-covid-trans-and-bisexual-people-healthcare-disparities
I can't say what I mean because it's 3am and the words won't come.
Instead here is a list of UK providers, in case anyone needs it: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/
This is an excellent resource! Thank you!!
Modern life certainly does take a toll on us. Being old enough to remember how things used to be, life was simpler and slower paced. Some would say better, but it was definitely not like those old tv shows. Women were subservient until we got "liberated". Well, enough of that. Robin, I hope that you will find a balance that works for you. Wishing you the best.
Simpler and slower paced sounds good in its own ways, but "better" is truly subjective. I would love to find a balance that feels nicer, but I know I'm not the only one who struggles with that.