Sean, i don't know how they do it either, but i'm so pleased for those that do.
hugs, we do what we can do. all of us. we each have our bits and pieces that we do - annd we may not realise how much those things we do matter. it comes down to the little things in life, the little things matter. i've even heard that the little things are the big things : ) i bet your having made your wife breakfast and doing the dishes was a pretty big thing if we asked her.

Not all jobs require intense social interaction. I gravitate toward production-oriented work for that very reason. I do better with getting a job done than the social mysteries of dealing with people.

Family caregiving is a 24/7 job. Nobody can go 24/7. Ya gots to get your rest when the opportunity presents if you are going to be sincere and ready for the next round. Let's hear it for the Power Nap!!!

Thanks for the major props, Sean. I'm one of those working PTSD folks whose job does require intense social interaction. I teach nursing students courses on death and dying. A pretty intense subject, yeah.

I script each class carefully so I keep going through class even when I have flashbacks up there, which is during 1 in every 4 classes or so. I got tenure this past Spring, so I have some job security now. I plan to work until I can take early retirement, which is 4 years from now. I really hope I can make it. In 2011 I almost went on disability, but I've been able to make it thus far. I'm on my own, no family, with all of its pluses and minuses.

Naps? I crash on my couch every day after getting home from school and don't wake up until late supper time. You and I, we both have draining jobs, see?

that's why i landscape. i get along with earth and plants.

even when they're being a jerk, they're not being a human jerk. i like that.