Sounds like you teach for a great college Wendy. I'd like to learn more about what they are doing right to create the right environment for instructors like you.
Ha! What a great outlook Ronald. Thanks for sharing.
One of my biggest stressors comes from the standards of the school. Sometimes the fundamentals of what needs to be taught within the discipline are not addressed within the class and when working from a standardized curriculum I have no power to change them. Yes, we can sometimes "add to" and we have all heard about completing our evaluations and making recommendations, but while such recommendations are under review, I have to continue to teach what has been given to me.
My two biggest stressors center around my family and the requirements of different colleges. I wanted to move into online teaching so that I could spend more time with my family, and I believe that this will eventually be the case. However, the learning curve on getting all of the minutia down concerning procedures at varying colleges is taking up twice as much time right now and, thus, causing stress not only in itself but with my family too.
Each college and each class has innumerable requirements to keep track of, to notate... marks that must be hit at a certain rate and within a specific timeframe. Once I get the schedule down, and it becomes routine, the stress will be greatly reduced. Until then... I have to sort of "suck it up" and keep at it.
The main cause of stress that I face is meeting all of the requirements that I am responsible for on a daily basis. At the present time, we have two children in college and a third on her way. Meeting the obligations associated with college expenses is a major source of stress since we will not take on additional debt in the current economy. I work full time operating a business and teach part time.
*Financial stress (working on contract, not knowing if the contract will be renewed)
*Student issues that are very time sensitive (working out an effective solution with the student in a very short time frame)
I know that feeling. When I started my business things were hectic. With two businesses thats crazy...your asking for trouble. I found thaT... sometimes you really need to create time for yourself.
I use this time not to only relax or smoke a cigar (cigar not recommended for stress) but as a time of reflection on what to do next...whats the best possible solution to this or that specific problem. Another technique that works is take advantage of the time spent in the bathroom...its a good time to think, Great ideas have been developed.....Lol
MArraige
5 kids
Dissertation
WORK WORK WORK
To releive this stress i allocate time for me myself and I.
Whether a ballgame with a freind thats doesnt like to talk about problems or just as simple as taking a walk. This time is a must.
There are many factors contributing to the stress I experience in my daily life. One of the biggest sources of stress for me is balancing responsibilities. I teach multiple classes and I am a mother of three. Also, I have recently started teaching online and learning a new type of technology. I am trying to continue to learn and be a great instructor for my students.
I use time management skills to manage my stress, but it seems there is never "enough" time in the day. I do wish I had more time for myself.
Hi Anne,
I completely agree with your comments on the commute. I teach mainly online, but I teach once a week on campus. I look forward to the time to myself in the car. -Some people would say this is crazy, but I really do look forward to it.
Sending children to college can definitely be stressful. For some students, need and merit based scholarships can offset the financial burden. If you haven't explored them already with your child, I'd encourage them to visit their financial aid office.
Making changes to simplify life can often cause stress in the short term as you go through the transition. Hold on and you will get through the learning curve and come out happier for investing the time to change.
I think that standards are a huge form of stress. Requiring administrative duties can cause stress, because it is just another item on the list.
List:
internet issues/ technological issues
unprepared students
admin tasks
time requirements for grading and live chats
taking time away from my family
Thanks,
Amy
I have the stress of working from home & having young children.
Between working & being a taxi cab mom I find I am easily distracted.
Not being able to complete my household duties is stressful as well.
Grading papers while meeting school requirements for comment length & feedback when there are 35+ students per class.
Kids always wanting to be with me. (I mean 24/7)
This is a great list Amy. Unprepared students are definitely an important stressor to mention. We expect our students to come ready to learn. Often, this is not the case. Sometimes in my course syllabus, I provide a list of things students can do to be more prepared for their coursework. This has helped... at least for the ones who read the syllabus!
What are some general areas that you can identify as major stressors in your life/career?
I CAN IDENTIFY STRESSORS AT CHURCH, AT HOME AND AT WORK. I HAVE ACTIVELY TRIED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF OBLIGATIONS TO WHICH I HAVE COMMITTED THIS YEAR. IT HAS BEEN A SLOW GOING PROCESS, BUT IT IS WORKING. I DO NOT WANT TO LEAVE A GAP IN THE DEPARTMENT FROM WHICH I AM TRANSITIONING. ON ANOTHER NOTE, I AM CONTEMPLATING A SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP CHANGE. WE HAVE A THREE YEAR OLD AND I AM REALLY TORN WITH THAT. BUT, I AM TAKING MY TIME TO PROCESS THROUGH THIS PERSONALLY AND WITH HELP FROM A COUNSELOR, WHOSE SERVICES I HAVE RETAINED.
Are these stressors based upon logistical (organizational) factors, student needs, or college requirements? Develop a list of your stressors within these general categories or create additional categories based upon your personal needs.
I HAVE ANSWERED THIS PRETTY MUCH THROUGH SOME OF MY ELABORATION EARLIER. THE ONLY ONE I DID NOT ADDRESS IS MY WORK. WORK IS GOING BETTER NOW. I JUST HAD A MID YEAR REVIEW AND IT WENT WELL. I DO NOT LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE (SUPERVISORS) ACT PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVELY AND WAIT UNTIL YOUR EVALUATION TO BRING UP THINGS THAT ARE A CONCERN THEM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT THEY CHOOSE NOT TO ADDRESS AND PROVIDE YOU WITH SPACE TO CORRECT THEM. CONSEQUENTLY, I AM HAVING TO WORK THROUGH THE SUGGESTIONS THAT SHE WANTS FOR ME TO IMPROVE ON. THIS HAS TAUGHT ME TO BECOME A PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO PLAY POLITICS WITH SMILING WITH YOU IN YOUR FACE AND TELLING YOU WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR AND LAUGHING AT YOU IN PRIVATE BEHIND YOUR BACK BECAUSE YOU DO NOT REALIZE HOW MUCH OF A DONKEY (THAT IS BEING NICE) YOU ARE. AYE, AYE, AYE.
Eva,
Students constantly missing assignment and test dates in the online environment cause me stress as I have no way of knowing if their excuses are legitimate. I feel they take advantage of the system. Extensions are not fair to the students who do things on time.
1. Requirements for live chats when students do not attend. Talking to no one is stressful, especially when the time is mandated. Talking for 1 hour with no one present is a waste of time and stressful.
2. Personal activities-teaching, church activities, civic activities, volunteer activities, home life, children, etc.
Jo,
I used to work out every now and then. Over the past couple of months, I decided that I will put myself first for a change. I saw my weight creeping up and decided to do something about it. I teach online, so I am sedentary. Now, I get up in the morning, let my dog out, then walk on the treadmill or pop in an exercise video for 20 to 30 mins. I do this at least 5 days a week. I feel much better putting myself first in the morning and doing something good for my health! I already eat a good diet, so that is not a problem for me.
In the evening is when your "near spa" experience begins! If you do not have time or money to go for a massage, then take a nice hot bath with the tub filled up high with water. WalMart sells all kinds of bath salts and bubble bath products that are very soothing. While enjoying your bath, dim the lights or light candles. I drink a small glass of wine or even a warm cup of low fat milk. You can download spa music from the internet for about $1.00. You can also download (for free) the AIM 6 (AOL Instant Messenger). It takes up very little space on your computer. It is not the full blown version. It contains online radio with many different genres of music. You can locate relaxing music on AIM and play it directly from your computer at no cost. Listen to some 'spa' music or other relaxing music and turn down the lights to get yourself relaxed and ready for bed. You should dim the lights in your room, so that your brain signals sleep. I hope this helps to simulate an inexpensive "near spa" experience at home for you!!!
Hi Dr. Read,
Here are some of my stressors:
1. A Ph.D. Program. I have been working on this degree for 5.5 years. I completed my first oral defense and successfully advanced to candidate status. The one thing that I must say is that I will be glad when it is over! Overall, things have gone well for me in the program. I am earning every bit of this degree.
2. I am teaching and building a business. I am stressed by multiple deadlines and grading, but other than that I enjoy life
