Happier at work than at home?

EDnursetobe · Oct 29, 2011

hmmm in your situation I understand that work gives you more of a 'social' outlet. since home for you is pretty isolated. ever consider moving to somewhere a little busier?

I'm the exact opposite, I feel isolated when at work. Not because its not busy (its always crazy!) but i feel isolated from family and friends...

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Oct 29, 2011

I'm a work-a-holic and even though some nights suck and I dread going back the next day, I actually enjoy being at work. I feel "less isolated" while I'm there. I moved away from all of my friends and family back in May so it's just my husband and I. We have opposite schedules, and he's in the Army, so many days he is just coming home while I am on my way out the door. Aside from my coworkers, I do not have friends/family here so on my days off I don't do much unless my husband is home, but I find we don't get to spend as much time together as we'd like. I guess work helps to keep me sane lol

GimiRN · Oct 29, 2011

If I'm stressed or worried about something in my personal life, I find that being at work does help take my mind off of it. That's not to say that I'm happier at work, but being there does provide an escape at times.

vashtee, RN · Oct 29, 2011

Is anyone happier/less stressed at work then at home?

I'm not less stressed, but I definitely am happier at work (excluding bad days). I don't have enough to do to fill my days at home, and I find it depressing. I pray I am healthy enough to work until I drop dead. haha

SweetheartRN · Oct 29, 2011

If you had a totally different lifestyle...lived in a different city, had friends to be with, family, places to go, etc...I highly doubt you would feel this way. When I read your title initially I thought you were crazy...but I see now why you would rather be at work than home. I would too in that case.:hug:

To be honest...I don't see how you live this way? I know it may not be at all possible but it might be worth it to move if it could add to your life in a positive way? If work can fufill you then by adding a second job that should definetly help. Also maybe volunteer as well, and you can meet people by doing this. But if you find yourself wanting to be closer to family i would take steps to reach that goal. Its worth it to try.

StrwbryblndRN · Oct 29, 2011

I can relate. I have kids, friends etc though.

They do not stress me but because money is tight we do not have the ability to just do "stuff". Working helps me know that I am making money and doing something productive. It keeps my mind off the fact that economically it is rough out there and not getter better. I have a job and happy for it.

Vtachy1 · Oct 29, 2011

Its crazy I was just going to post the same thing. Only for me I cry all weekend because I actually face my problems and when I'm at work, I can stuff them down because I have to put all my mental and physical and emotional energy into taking care of sick people.

I know for a fact that I am grieving over not being able to keep my house nice and take care of my kids and husband. I'm totally grief stricken about it. :crying2:

Its been a pattern with me for the last several months, that I just cry all weekend long. I'm a grump and angry over not being able to enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of farm life. I don't know where to put all this anger and frustration. I need energy to try and heal but I need incredible amounts of energy too, so that I can catch up on laundry, my kids, my home, everything.

This is the first year in 13 years that I'm so depressed I have not put on e single fall decoration up. The dusty furniture, floors that need to be mopped, its enough to send me into a rage!!! Ughh! I hate it that I cannot do it all. So angry!!!!

I miss the quiet days with no people around me at all. Husband, kids, everyone is gone in the daytime and I could relax for a half of a second!!! I miss those days when they all came home to a wonderfully smelling home with supper on the table and everything was clean and organized.

Lifeofanurse · Oct 29, 2011

Its crazy I was just going to post the same thing. Only for me I cry all weekend because I actually face my problems and when I'm at work, I can stuff them down because I have to put all my mental and physical and emotional energy into taking care of sick people.
I know for a fact that I am grieving over not being able to keep my house nice and take care of my kids and husband. I'm totally grief stricken about it.
Its been a pattern with me for the last several months, that I just cry all weekend long. I'm a grump and angry over not being able to enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of farm life. I don't know where to put all this anger and frustration. I need energy to try and heal but I need incredible amounts of energy too, so that I can catch up on laundry, my kids, my home, everything.
This is the first year in 13 years that I'm so depressed I have not put on e single fall decoration up. The dusty furniture, floors that need to be mopped, its enough to send me into a rage!!! Ughh! I hate it that I cannot do it all. So angry!!!!
I miss the quiet days with no people around me at all. Husband, kids, everyone is gone in the daytime and I could relax for a half of a second!!! I miss those days when they all came home to a wonderfully smelling home with supper on the table and everything was clean and organized.

I'm so sad for you!!! :crying2:

I don't know what to tell you...but life is a series of changes.

It seems like we are always adjusting to something new or grieving the loss of something old...just neverending.

I myself have had a rough transition from nursing school to being home, finding my place and job seeking.

I'm afraid I havn't handled it well at all. Kinda like crawliing out of a pit of dispair really.

I'm also facing things in my relationships ...deciding what I want. What I don't. and...trying to figure it all out.

I won't tell you what to do...but I sought out a support group for my particular issue...and it REALLY helps.

The internet is also a big help..it lets you out in the world while being at home. Especially helpful if you live in an isolated area.

I want to say...begin a journal. Make a gratitude list every day...

If nothing changes please seek additional help..it's nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of, to have friends who have been through the same thing I have...my support group is my lifeline...don't know where I would be without them.

My house is still messy..or would be if my husband and family didn't clean it. I'm still not super comfortable in my own skin...in my new role (new grad nurse)...or in my relationship as it stands...but I'm finding my way.

Slowly...I'm working on it.

Know I'm thinking of you...praying for you...that you will find your way too.

nightengalegoddess · Oct 29, 2011

Men have for eons been able to "forget" their real life while at work. It IS an opportunity not to have to deal with your own life....(IT being work). Personally, I have lived like you without electricity, plumbing , phone, etc. I KNOW how wonderful and also how ALIENATING that can be with little community. Work is just YOUR community for now. Things will change in time. My advice is to just MAKE SURE you get your deep self affirmation from other areas as well....or you may become one of the folks who end up having to be so important and effective and gain ALL OF THEIR WORTH from the job only. You have more than being a nurse going for you. Just remember that. Because even though it is important to invest in your career as something that you can always turn to for gratification, identification, purpose......you are also a human being who exists without nursing as well. Free advice is always worth what ya pay for it......oxoxoxo

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Oct 29, 2011

There are times when the only time you feel in control is at work -- people listen to you (sometimes), you can DO things -- call a doc on a patient with chest pain that turns out to be a MI, try to make someone else feel better. At home, nobody does that for us. What I think you're feeling is actually depression, and "work is better" is actually a way of denying how unhappy/depressed you are. A lot of depressed people "self medicate" by working themselves silly. You can't dwell on your problems if you're exhausted and fall asleep.

Try to talk to your PCP, and see if they can help. Life's too short to be miserable.

Mulan · Oct 29, 2011

For some people that live with drama queens, as much as they hate work, they would rather go to work than have to deal with the other person's nonsense.