I've had to quit teaching

As many of you know, I work two jobs: a day job plus a part-time job teaching at a local community college.

Or, at least I DID work two jobs. This week I quit the part-time one. I used to teach mathematics, but I just can't do it anymore. I can't even do simple arithmetic in my head now.

The brain fog is just too thick for me these days.....I can't find my way through it.

Oh well....I have to learn to let go and trust the Lord.

But I'm just sad tonight.

Plus I seem to be getting worse; yesterday I was so exhausted after just going to a doctor's appt I had to lie down and take a nap. It seems that when I'm exposed to bright sunlight I react very badly. The vertigo and nausea when I got home were overwhelming....I literally collapsed into bed.

Today I woke up at 10am then was falling asleep again by 2pm. I took a nap and slept off and on until 5:30pm. I'm just so completely useless anymore....I'm exhausted and in pain, I have vertigo to the point of wall-walking much of the time. I barely manage to keep up with the few duties I still have at work. My husband does nearly everything at home, aside from cooking and paying the bills.

I feel that I'm close to a decision about my main job. I would appreciate your prayers....I need to make the right decision.

Thank you,
JoAnn

okie said...
Hi Joann, I'm so sorry sweetie, I know how hard it is. Not only do you have to change your way of living but you have have to give up so many things that you are you are so used to having in your life.
I don't know if it's my life but it seem,s like this year has been harder then the ones before.

My doctor has told me i have to change to mostly protein and dark green salads, and things like chopped dark green spinach!

well it's after 2 .m. geesh I need to go to bed.

talk to you later

love ya

carol

Thanks so much for the reply, Carol! You're going through some really difficult times.....much worse than mine! I hope you're feeling better tonight; is the Lasix working for you?

It's two hours earlier here, in Southern CA, but I should go to bed too.

I'm still praying for you and the COPD/edema problems you're having! I hope you don't end up back in the hospital.....

((((((hugs))))))
JoAnn

Thanks Pat....it's just something I have to accept. I don't have the energy (or the brain-power, apparently) to teach college math anymore.

It's good that I quit the part-time teaching job from the perspective that it relieves some of my stress and gives me more time to concentrate on my health issues.

It really is true that we don't appreciate good health until it's gone.

Dear JoAnn,

I am right where you are. Same symptoms, same choice. Same misery of exhaustion. But I had to give up my nurse supervisor job, I couldn't keep running, literally, between floors, and I kept my .5FTE teaching job. In reality, the full time job I do for half time pay. And I am afraid I can't keep it up much longer. The weekends aren't long enough to get the rest I need, and throw in my struggle to do something fun like babysit my grandaughter for a few hours, or go grocery shopping, and my crash and go to class, crash and class cycle begins again. I need to hold on until June, then decide if I will sign a contract for next year, and my district really wants me to teach full time. And that I can't do. There is a chance  to bargain for a teaching assistant, but even then, I am afraid I am 'biting off more than I can chew'. So, I am trying to accept being so sick and having no energy. But just functioning is getting to be too much of a struggle. I am sad right there with you, and I am glad you are trusting in God to work this out for you as He will for me. Prayers your way, Keep us posted,

hugs, suetoo

JoAnn,

I am so sorry it has come down to this for you. I can imagine how difficult this transition will be and I will be praying for you and for your upcoming decisions concering your fulltime job. Please keep your head up and I pray that letting your part time job go will give your body the extra boost it needs to get your symptoms under control! Keep us updated on how things go for ya!

((((Hugs))))

I am facing dropping all my classes this semester because of the CNS symptoms taking their toll on my grades so I can understand what it is to give up the academic part of your life. I had to quit working a few years ago and even then I was only working like 15 hours a week. I cannot imagine working 2 jobs and managing even half as well as you have. I know you are facing a tough decision here soon but remember you worked for years and more than one job so you are entitled to disability. You will have to fight for it so I advise you consult a lawyer but get the ball rolling as soon as you are no longer employed because of how long it can take. I figure no one else said anything about that aspect of it because you are still working right now but knowing what you will have to do if and when you stop working is a good idea.

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. I really appreciate your support and prayers!

Desiree, I'm so sorry you have to be on chemo again...it sounds just awful! I'm glad your little boy is so understanding when you're sick!

Suetoo, I understand, we are in the same boat. I'll be praying for your situation too!

Carol I'm so glad you plan to see your doctor tomorrow!

Amy, thanks so much for your prayers!

Stacie, I'm glad you have that 5-month cushion but I will be praying that the Lord will show you what to do afterwards. I do appreciate the prayers!!

((((hugs)))) to all of you!
JoAnn

JoAnn, I hope everything works out well for you and I hope that you feel better soon !