I have a cold…
I have a cold so I am even more self centered than usual – I almost never get sick, but when I do, I get really sick and I feel very, very sorry for myself. I didn’t start the day with any symptoms, they came on me rapidly starting about noon yesterday when I had a full schedule of new clients so I couldn’t exactly cancel and go home.
Anyway, I was really thankful at the end of my long and late day to get home andfind #7 here cleaning the kitchen. What was interesting was that he noticed that I was sick right away – you really couldn’t miss it – coughing, sneezing, a kleenex glued to my nose, constant whining and complaining - and he was amazed that I had stayed at work. In his mind, any reason to not work is valid. I explained that a) I only make money when I work – there is no sick pay in private practice and b) I had new clients who had waited quite a while, most of the summer in fact, to see me, so I had a responsibility to be there.
He said “I thought since you are your own boss, you don’t have to work if you don’t want to.” I said, “It isn’t always about wanting to work, it’s about always wanting to live up to my responsibilities and commitments to others.” That was quite a revelation to him. Of course, I don’t know why he didn’t notice my work ethic for the last 18 years! but, this was apparently a light bulb moment for him, so maybe it will help him when he finally lands another job.
I realized that while I’m whining away about Young Adults, most of mine are doing okay at the moment. #5 isn’t working, which is a value’s issue for me, but she is living independently and making a life for herself, and she is a sweetheart, so I should just shut up about her. #6, after being fired and evicted yet again, now has two part time jobs and a new apartment, so I should shut up about him too. Only #7 is failing to tread water, but he’s applied for a bunch of jobs, and he’s apparently not suicidal this week, so I’ll wait and see what happens.
In the meantime, I will go on sneezing and coughing and feeling ever so sorry for myself.
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