Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

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mujicaptsd 08/19/2013

Last night my boss at the college told me that, with only 1 week until school started, enrollment is down at my college 17%. Half of the classes I was ready to teach were canceled due to low enrollment. It's happening to professors all over the college. It's not our fault, but it is our jobs on the line.

I didn't sleep all night, worried I would lose my job. I'm 55. I just got this job in 2011 after my PTSD crash put me in the hospital and I found out I had permanent kidney damage, too. The thought of finding another job with the medical benefits I need for PTSD, kidney disease, and diabetes kept me lying awake in bed.

I went in to see my boss today, pretty scared. She was, too. Turns out she found other classes for me to teach. Sure, I have only a week to prepare for them, but to keep my job I would have done dishwashing in the cafeteria. Heck, I put myself through college in the first place as a cafeteria dishwasher, and I'm good at it.

I left still holding on to my job and my dignity. Not a bad ending to a stressful day. I'm grateful, and my heart is with those here who are trying to get a job or disability these days. I count my blessings and I pray for your blessing, too.

arfie 08/20/2013

All that in a single day? That is quite a roller coaster ride! Glad you kept your seat. Prayers for all (by whatever name comforts the individual) riding the gossamer threads as I type. No exceptions.

Just out of personal curiosity, if it is not too sensitive for you, did this turn of events have any impact on the anxieties you walked in there with? I ask because of long time questioning of my own expectations of life. Strictly personal.

tolerance 08/20/2013

It sounds like they value your presence there. Good for you!

mujicaptsd 08/20/2013

By the time I walked in, I had made a new plan to go back to school--AGAIN. What else could I do? But it was at least something. So having a plan B, I just went in there ready for whatever.

I will have to teach 12 days on Tuesdays because one of the classes they gave me was a night class. Hey, beats dishwashing. I'll have to watch my diabetes blood sugar and energy levels closely, though.

deleted_user 08/20/2013

A job is so much more than a paycheque.
Be happy and thankful that you don't need to go on disability. It does nothing for one's esteem needs, social needs, and so on. It covers the lowest rung, and even then, just barely.

Yay, I am happy for you!

mujicaptsd 08/20/2013

Thanks. My boss almost got rid of me and sent me to disability in 2011, and I experienced what you say by being able to save my job: it's more than a paycheck. I'm grateful for it as long as I can do it, truly.

CecilBGreen 08/20/2013

I'm glad you still have a job. Enrollment down 17%! Wow. What class will you be teaching?

deleted_user 08/21/2013

all's well that ends well muji. your boss must think highly off you to make sure you stay on. right on!

mujicaptsd 08/21/2013

Cecil, I teach Death and Dying class to nursing students from my work as a hospital chaplain 2001-2010. I know that sounds grim, but in addition to Kubler Ross and textbooks like that a lot of the course touches on what we've learned and talk about here with our PTSD.

Thanks, MojoPaw, I've got a great boss. I'm an old bachelor 55 years old now, and my boss is around 40 with a husband and kids at home. Don't know how she does it all. She's the best boss I ever had. I'm glad to say I told her so at the end of the last school year.

Not just to suck up. It's just that at this point there have been so many unfair situations in my life, as in everybody else's here. I made sure to speak up and tell her how good it was to have a fair shake for a change. I have no seniority since I was just hired in 2011. I may still lose my job if the college enrollment keeps shrinking and instructors have to be laid off. So I intend to enjoy every day of work I can.

jraernr 08/22/2013

Muji, I'm also glad for you! I find myself in a similar situation... I feel foe MY boss, as, although he is kind to have given me an opportunity to work, it has slowed considerably, and I may need to seek other employment sooner than anticipated. I'll do about anything, and am just praying something comes about soon so that I am not forced to go on disability... I am very capable, when I am stable, however, when the situation arises that i am not stable, I am rendered useless.

I'm encouraged by your attitude of gratitude Thanks for sharing hope...

jewells1 08/22/2013

Muji, you and a few other here inspire me, one or some of my classes will be psychology. I am hoping for a teacher like you that will understand by real life not just printed text, the dynamics involved.

What a ride, it's good you made it through without tossing your cookies. J.

sugarbear75 08/22/2013

Wow glad are able to keep your job! That is a big blessing! Take care and have a great week.

mujicaptsd 08/22/2013

Thanks, everybody. Im really grateful to have the job.

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