Posted by Renee N on April 27, 2000, at 23:01:10
In reply to Re: Self Esteem...Mine and then it isn't , posted by Mark H. on April 27, 2000, at 20:33:04
> If we decide to believe the "resume" version of ourselves, it may work in the same way that putting on a play "works," but we risk feeling phony and fearing being found out. people. That's not about high seratonin levels.> Accurate self-knowledge means being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, not using the one to leverage yourself into a stressful position of major responsibility you can't sustain, nor using the other to keep yourself in a menial job for fear that your mood disorder might interfere with more meaningful work. It helps to find a middle ground in which income and title are balanced against things like good health the need to limit stress. Self esteem, in itself, offers nothing to help clarify these values or offer guidance in making important life decisions that will affect your health, happiness and productivity. Accurate self knowledge does.
>
> Very best wishes,
>
> Mark H.Mark,
Once again I must say to you, "Well said." You so accurately describe my feelings and especially my career struggles. It seems that whenever I have a job that I really enjoy, people want me to advance to the next level. I never feel confident enough to do it. When I was a social worker I feared court. I pictured the lawyers and judge raking me oover the coals for not doing enough or the wrong thing. I also didn't feel qualified to make life changing decisions for abused children even though I aced all the training courses. I eventually quit due to the stress.
Now people ask why I don't get a teaching certificate so I can be a regular classroom teacher instead of subbing. I love my job. I don't believe that my ADD symptoms of distracabilty, forgetfulness, and impulsiveness would help me in a job that involves so much planning, deadlines, and paperwork. Now I get to go in, enjoy my day sharing my love of learning and people, and go home with no more job related worries or responibilities on my shoulders. Still, a part of me feels like I am smarter than this, and am not contributing as much as I am able. I guess that I'd rather be a little underemployed than freaking out with anxiety in a "more professional" job.
Thank you for getting me thinking... Renee N
poster:Renee N
thread:30698
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000420/msgs/31534.html