The SLP Burnout Coach

Speech Language Pathologists that want to quit...but can't

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1 life-changing sentence that set me free.

I got to a point where I felt “trapped” going to work.  I was handing over so much of my time when I wanted to be doing other things (like sitting on the couch in my flip flops, reading, doing yoga, gardening…) I gave myself permission.

You can totally quit if you want to.

You don’t HAVE to work.

Instead of just fantasizing about being in flip flops all day (while hating my job).  I played out the reality of quitting my career as an SLP.  What it would be like without that paycheck, without having the structure of work everyday…  without to-do lists.  When you are feeling stuck, your mind will tend to only focus on what is going wrong.  If your brain is like mine (and most people’s), it replays lists of things that are so wrong-dammit!  …and the time and exhaustion…It feels terrible.

A Visualization Exercise:  I know, quitting and finding a career that will “give you more time” sounds amazing.  Being in flip flops, playing with the kids, cleaning, napping, pinteresting, facebooking, eating, eating, more eating (my vice), another nap, netflix, youtube cat videos.  2 weeks of this sounds fantastic!  Picture yourself after 2 months,  how about 2 years of this…(visualize now)

YOU wouldn’t do that if YOU just had more time.  If YOU could quit, YOU would be DISCIPLINED with YOUR time.  

Ah Ha!! DISCIPLINE.  That word reminds me of getting in trouble.  I hate it.

Here’s the kicker, You need waaaaaay more discipline without a work gig.

You need super, laser discipline (awe maaaaan) to get what you want.

You mean being disciplined GIVES me what I want?? What the whaaaaaaaa????  When I did the math- Most of the things I really want are highly supported by my SLP job. They all require- DISCIPLINE

  • Healthcare for me and my family = discipline
  • A comfortable home for my family = financial discipline
  • Not bringing paperwork home = discipline with time and focus
  • Feeling strong and healthy (eating healthy, exercise) = discipline, commitment
  • More free time = yes, discipline, planning

I want to be able to provide a home for my family.  I love having a safe homey-home that is ours.  Yes, I could get a much cheaper apartment, but there would be no yard and it wouldn’t be “ours.”  I love that we can go to the doctor with no worries about how we will pay for it.  I actually love providing finically for our family along with my husband.  My husband is in sales so his pay fluctuates.  I make a good, modest living.  Working as an SLP actually affords me and my family so much freedom right now.  Being disciplined with my schedule, money and attitude actually GIVES me freedom.  That means, if I only have 25 minutes to complete my daily therapy notes.  I find a way to complete it within the time I have allotted- Period!!

Quit or not? Here’s what I learned about myself

  • It’s all me-I am always the one choosing the structure of my life; consciously or unconsciously.
  • I actually like having structure to my day (mostly).
  • Either way: staying in my job, being home, changing careers; I would have to be committed and disciplined (Fuuuuuudge!)
  • My mind will regularly want to indulge in the fantasy of escaping work-any kind.
  • There is always a to-do list and I like that (you should too).  It means my life is full and THAT is how I create my life day by day.

Consider 2 simple steps:

  1. Purposefully decide on what you really want. (HINT: your answer will be 3-4 feeling words) mine are freedom, love, fun and connection
  2. Be disciplined (as f-beeeep) to take consistent action toward achieving what you want.

On a bigger scale

I want to be an example of what is possible.

I want to support myself and my family. ( the alternative is- meh!)

I want to create time to take care of myself.

I want to give of myself.

I want to love my students.

I want to love myself.

I want to love.

Love.

Period.

Are you thinking of quitting?  Hey, no judgment here.

for you, quitting might be the best decision you’ve ever made.

But please. Before you do it.  Make sure you are ultra clear on the who, what, where, when and why’s…also how’s.

What do you want?

If your are totally stuck in confusion, I’ve got tools for that.

Hit me up to schedule free 20 minute clarity call.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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