My major stress is personal issues. Work seems to actually pull me away from stress at home. I rarely get stressed out at work, because I just tell myself that it is a part of my life.
Sounds like a challenge Jane. Yes, it can be hard when we rely on technology that fails us. I often like to build a buffer into my schedule - where possible - to account for unexpected technology delays.
This is a great inventory John. Sounds like you are dealing with a lot. Some of these items can be eliminated or reduced with a little time investment. Removing obsolete data files from your desktop is one example. I know it's so hard to find the time, but a little investment can go a long way.
Some general areas that I indentify as major stressors in my life is:
long and hectic work schedule with 12 hour days
not eating properly or missing meals.
not spending enough time with family.
spending my weekend time completing work task and lesson plans
meeting with all students, managing faculty and staying atop of my checklist.
All of these differ and some are based upon organizational factors, student needs and college requirements.
Interesting perspective Desharla. Most instructors have the opposite problem as I'm sure you know. On one hand, I'm glad to hear work is a great escape. On the other, sorry to hear you are experiencing so much personal stress.
Some areas are course management. I sometimes feel I don't have enough time to do everything I need to prepare for my classes and do all of the administrative duties required of full-time instructors.
My stress is caused by:
1. To many meetings. We seem to have meetings about meetings and this takes up way to much time. I have several deadlines that I must meet and I find myself sitting in these meetings thinking about all the productive things I could be doing. Like reaching out to these students we are discussing.
2. Some of my instructors lack classroom managent skills and I have to step in and take control of their classes. I'm working on this by coaching the instructors on how to handle the difficult students.
3. I'm also in school, so working my full-time job and going to school and taking care of my family definatley takes a toll.
To give myself and outlet to all my stress I take a martial arts class 4 hours a week and this really helps me keep my stress level in check.
The major factor is not getting responses on time or at a desired time. Sometimes, we do not get any at all. Does anyone feel that this is somewhat unprofessional? Isn't it better to gradually let down anyone we don not want to do business or communicate with, rather than not respond? IS this due to time management on their time and prioritization as well? At the same time, computers and connection is so quick, to have to develop a brief note does not cost much time either? these may be some factors that may affect students/instructors. When we do get a response, it may be too late, and become distracting as well.
Wow, sounds like you really need that martial arts class Stephanie! Great outlet. Your second point sounds like a particular challenge. When our colleagues can't carry their own weight, it can make our jobs more stressful as we try to help them. Investing in training others upfront can save us time in the end.
Sometimes I have a great deal of difficulty standing firm on decisions when I hear students stories. For example, If I decide that there will be no make up tests for students who are absent, and then I hear some story of near tragedy, etc., I then tend to make exceptions. This creates stress for me because it is so difficult to know which students are being honest, and which students are using manipulation.
This is tough Thomas. On one hand, we set rules for our classes for a reason. Students need the structure. At the same time - and to your point - there are special cases that cause us to break our own rules. Trying to hold true to our standards while also being reasonable people can put us in a tough place.
General stressors:
Professional-
Time vs workload
*turn in grades by tomorrow
*complete CEU by end of the week
*edit outlines for next lecture
Conflict of adult learners vs strict classroom policies
Personal:
Going to back to school
*complete three posts by the end of the week
*Begin to work on philosophy paper
Adequate family time
*Spend time with Cole after work abd before dinner
Wow, sounds like you are experiencing a range of stressors Becky - both personal and professional. Going back to school can be particularly hard. It's easy to forget that the effort you put in there - as well as stress experienced - is temporary. As you graduate, your stress level may get better. For now, the investment is probably tough.
I think, for me, one of the major stress areas is the imbalance of personal life and career life.
When your significant other does not work set hours, it is important to have the flexability to spend time with him when he is avaliable. However, I have to realize that he is working towards a Masters in finance and, should I organize by day to spend a quiet evening with him, he may not have the same goals.
Likewise, it may be difficult for him to understand that the time he sets aside for togetherness may cause frustration on my part if my tasks are not done or not completed to my high satisfaction.
At this time, I do not see an easily obtainable answer to this situation.
The commute would be logistical. I leave my house one and a half hours before my class is to begin. If I don't, my commute is an hour. At the earlier time, it takes 40-45 minutes which is quite long enough. I do like to relax with coffee (decaf) and I take this time to further prepare for class. The problem is that I am quite tired and put in a long day even though I only work 5 hours a day. I also spend a lot of time preparing at home in the evening. It doesn't leave much time for me!
Sounds like your time is limited Betty but that you have found some workarounds. Traffic is a perfect example. It's amazing how leaving a few minutes earlier or later than planned can make such a dramatic difference on how fast we get there. There are a lot of things in life like this. Small tweaks can make a big difference.
Life:
Bills- logistical
Picking up the kids from school- logistical
Getting homework done- logistical/college requirements. I have to get my homework done, but the college I work for also requires me to get professional development so I must do well in school. This is a double stressor.
Career:
Conforming to new curriculum- college requirement
Grading exams and homework- logistical/ college requirement/student needs
Getting along with coworkers- logistical/college requirements
One of my major causes of stress is the comute to work. Its an 1h and 45min. Im looking about moving near by to hopefully eliminate this from my stress list.
Wow, sounds like you are spending a long time in the car Enid! Yes, this stressor would likely best be eliminated. Alternatively, perhaps you could find a way to group your classes together so you're only teaching a few days a week. Less face to face days would mean significantly less driving!
This is a great list David! Thanks for sharing. It looks like some of the items on your list can be reduced or eliminated. Conforming to a new curriculum is one example. A second example is picking up the kids from school. Establishing a carpool could help.
