Happier at work than at home?

[Gratefulprn]

Is anyone happier/less stressed at work then at home? I know this may sound "crazy" to many of you but I find being at work - though busy is actually a break from being home and I find myself less...depressed/anxious/irritable.

We live in a rural area and it's peaceful but that can also be isolating. Most of my family is deceased, the sisters I do have live over 1000 miles away and I have no friends because where we live there isn't a social "scene" other than a few bars and that does not interest me. I live too far (50 miles) from work to make plans on my off days with others.

Maybe for me it's because I am home a LOT and working provides a break from that routine. It's hard to explain and it's not that I have a terrible spouse, I don't and we have no children so it's not that I need a break from child care...we have financial stress because the only position for me now is PRN but I'm interviewing for a second job this week so maybe that will change and the financial pressure will ease up some. I was just curious if I were the only nurse who felt better about herself (or his self) at work then at home.

[nightengalegoddess]

How bout asking a couple of people from work whom you REALLY trust and like out to your land for a weekend "retreat" for them (and you?). You could hike, herb-walk, pick flowers and make dried arrangements.....are there clay beds anywhere near you? You can find them when you hike around....you can make some pretty nice clay and make things..I used to fire them in a hole in the ground and hot rocks.....etc....I used to keep myself very busy on my land and I know a lot of people who met me in other places were always amazed at the lifestyle and very curious. Have you ever made a wikiup sweat lodge? It's really easy if you have access to good rocks to heat in a fire (volcano rock) and shovel the hot rocks into the sealed up wikiup (in the center rock hole you have dug)...pour water over them and steam out toxins to your hearts content! Then make tea out of the medicinal herbs you have CAREFULLY collected, and drink tea together! Anyway, these are some of the things I did for fun when I lived way out on the land. But different areas, different types of natural resource. Gardening anyone? That will keep you crazy busy at home! Just some ideas, as I said before, free advice is always worth what ya pay for it : )

[MomRN0913]

When i was going through my divorce, work was my haven actually. I missed my daughter who was 6 mo. old when we split, but at work, I was surrounded by friends and my mind was the most "off" my situation as one could get, because I was seriously messed up at the time. Taking care of my patients, doing something I loved and i was good at made me feel "worthy" too.

However, I think it wouldn't hurt to find a hobby or find a way to get out with friends. It's really essential to the PMA sometimes, i think.

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Happier at work no, but less stressed at work? YES! But then I have 3 little kids and a dh who works from home building his own business.

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I am so happy at work, this is because I only focus on patients and I never have time to think about problems outside the work environment. I love all my coworkers, I am always happy at work. :) I love my life at work and at home

[TPeters73]

I'm happier at work than at home. Period. In the past months, I've only had one or two bad days at work. In contrast, I rarely have a good day at home. The husband and I haven't been happy for years & we continue to stay together for the kids. If we are around each other more than 2-3 hours a day, we always argue about something. I do not live in my hometown and I don't know many people, therefore, all of my friends are at work. I enjoy helping the patients and most of the time, people appreciate what I do for them and every once in a while, I hear the words, "thank you. " When I'm at home, I feel like an "f" ing maid! Somebody always wants me to do something they could do just as easily for themselves & no one even thinks to say thanks. Being at home is very stressful for me and work has become the only place I'm happy. It's the only place I ever laugh, so no, you are not the only person who is happier at work than at home. There are more of us out there than you can imagine

[NeoPediRN]

Yes because I'm a hypochondriac and as soon as I leave my mind races with all the terrible things that are wrong with me and my imaginary symptoms start creeping up on me. I'm so busy at work I don't have time to think about it. I know that sounds crazy, it sounds crazy to me too and I'm living it!

[Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN]

What you feel is completely normal when you don't have kids tugging at your heart strings. I agree with others to find a hobby that you can enjoy. I joined a bowling team (I know) but we had so much fun. It was the social experience without codes, alarms, or call lights going off. I knew one person when I started and ended up with great friends. Job transfers and moves to follow the money broke us up, but kid activities would've cut into "alley time" eventually. Oh, I answered a flyer another nurse put up near the time clock. So look around while you're a work to see if there are others feeling the same as you.

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I'm just the opposite. I really like being at home much better. I do get a lot of satisfaction from my work, and I often reflect on how fortunate I am to do the amazing work I get to do, but really, my home is my sanctuary, and that's where I'd rather be.

There was a time in my life when there were a lot of problems in my marriage, and it was preferable to be away from home.

[kelll]

I know how you feel times are hard everywhere I think many of us in the same spot and it can be stressful! just know there are people who can relate. and life is not perfect, dont be so hard on yourself....it will change again soon just have faith what good will worring do??? i know I know everone probably says this and feeling like this is hard but it helped me just to change my thinking around...while I miss my family and all of the things we used to do when we had money...This is real life and we are fortunate enough to be putting food on the table for the family.

[DixieRedHead, ASN, RN]

I have been where you are. Whatever it is, it is what it is and you don't have to feel guilty about taking pleasure in your work or enjoying the outlet.

Hope the financial situation eases soon and you have other things going on.

[RNperdiem, RN]

I work only once a week, so I am less stressed than most nurses.

Seeing patients in real life-threatening situations helps me realize how small my problems really are.

[Gratefulprn]

Thank you to all who replied. You have no idea how much ALL of your comments and suggestions have helped...I sincerely mean that.