I need a nap

[bill_schubert]

I think caretaking is wearing me down. It happens. It's happened before for me. But I kind of snapped while at the Ranch over an issue that probably didn't require a melt down. I elected to walk away while I could and found myself thinking that maybe I should step back from volunteering at the Ranch for a bit. I'm still pondering that. A sabbatical. I've been going there twice a week for nearly three years now. They've made some changes that I don't much like and, of course, have no control over. Having had a couple of years more experience than the people making the changes and being, by the way, old and not thrilled to have things randomly change anyway, I'm not reacting well.

I'm thinking about it still. Here is one reason to keep going:



There was a time when I could go to the Ranch, walk the dogs, and go home. Now it seems that I keep interacting with people when what I want is dogs.

The way of the world.

I'm increasingly having problems with my knee. It is fine playing pickleball. Never bothers me enough so I even notice. But if I'm just standing or sometimes walking it aches and continues to be in pain for a long time. I'm taking more pain drugs to manage it. And got a cart yesterday while shopping when I didn't really need one but needed the support.

I've got an appointment to see the ortho but it is six weeks out.

Annoying all around.

Comments

[maisydaisy]

I have experienced similar at my cat rescue. I told myself to keep out of the way,head down and just concentrate on the poor beautiful cats.And most importantly ignore the people that could really wind me up with their criticism and rudeness.
I go once a week and when i think of stopping i just think of the cats and go back.They appreciate me and that's what matters. I am sure the dogs love and appreciate you.
A sabbatical may be a good thing to help you decide the way forward.

[anais_pf]

If you are going to step back for a while, or even if you decide not to, maybe outline what your dissatisfactions are for the powers that be? It is possible that they have no idea that anyone is unhappy.

You will miss your doggies if you step back.

I find that when I become really annoyed with aspects of the volunteer work I do, it feels good to completely ignore the work for a day or two or three. Of course, for me, that means not opening about a hundred emails a day, and they are all still there when I come back to it. But sometimes I don't even open the emails that have accumulated, unless they are titled with some version of "urgent."

I'd probably be better off walking dogs. :)

[bill_schubert]

Oh, yeah, I couldn't do something like that. No people.

It's only been half a day so I'm not going to do anything for at least another day. Let the dust in my brain settle.

Part of the decision will be to step away for a month. Tell them I need time to take care of Dana (true). And then see how I feel. The other part will be whether to tell them I'm no longer happy with the experience and here's why. I'm not sure my thoughts on it are worthwhile.

Much of it has to do with my short temper right now.

I'll have a think (wonderful British expression).

[zoefruitcake]

A sabbatical won't hurt, a little thinking space