I feel better.
I wanted to start off saying that because in my last post, I was NOT okay. I’m okay now, and I appreciated the positivity in the comments you posted, and even in those that didn’t post comments because like Bruce said, sometimes the right words are hard to find.
So right. I feel better.
They say there’s reasons for things happening the way they do. Maybe this was the experience I needed to know what I want to do. I want to get my counseling license. It’s going to take almost three years to do it realistically. No less than two, no more than six according to the state guidelines. I am specifically looking for wellness centers and shared practices. I’m going to set up a couple meetings with some licensed counselors here on campus to get more information about the process, then start contacting potential supervisors! The only thing is that I may move in with my parents for a while until I know the new place will work out and I can find a short term lease apartment.
So I’m hoping to have a new job by summer. By August at the latest. I won’t be here longer than that. No way Jose!
So I feel better. Knowing more about what I want to do, and having an action plan with a timeline really, really helps. Having my mom be so supportive (my dad is supportive too, but he’s worried I’m going to end up wanting to live with them forever, puh-lease!) and knowing this is not a good work environment helps too. I read this book called “Working with you is Killing Me.” Which is an amazing book by the way. But it talks about difficult to extreme bosses, and guess what? My bosses totally fell into the extreme categories! So I read the advice on how to handle them, and for each of them the solution was “Indulge them while you update your resume and find a new job” AND it described how a person may feel working with these people (mine are controlling egomaniacs, the unpleasable and the avoider): stomachaches, headaches, sleeplessness, dread and difficulty not thinking about interacting with these people, weight gain, increased drinking. I have all those things, and I’m also losing my hair. I mean. I’m frikkin losing my HAIR!!
So, there it is. An escape plan. and a damn fine one at that. I’m sad to leave the little city, which I think is what’s going to happen. But I’m extra excited to know that I’m not stuck here forever! 
Mel Heth
/ January 20, 2012Ten bucks says your parents are going to be super sad when you decide to move out again.
I’m so impressed by you attitude and motivation. So often, people get stuck and then just let hopelessness get the best of them. You are awesome for making plans and taking action! (Mentally high-fiving you right now). Hopefully this job will just be a tiny blip on the landscape of your great career.
Solitary Diner
/ January 20, 2012Sometimes we need to go through a really bad situation, like the one you describe, before we can get to a good place. I worked at a horrible job (complete with avoidant personality disorder bosses and a coworker who constantly saddled me with her work) for two years before I finally decided to get out and go to medical school. I’m so much happier where I am, and I’m more appreciative of what I have because of the crap I’ve been through in the past.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your journey, and I wish you the best of luck with everything. Sometimes the process can be frustrating and take longer than we want, but it’s worth it in the end.
Bruce H.
/ January 20, 2012I wish you all the best of luck in your Great Escape!
missmccracken
/ January 22, 2012Thanks everyone! I’m starting tomorrow to call some folks and get some information to take the next step! I’ll keep you updated!
skybluestateofmind
/ January 24, 2012I like the plan! Kudos for bouncing back. We need to be resilient and keep moving forward! Good luck and keep us posted!
Lia
/ January 31, 2012It sounds like an excellent plan. And a little mom-love can help balance out the impossible bosses. Good luck!