The Caring Counselor

Two weeks ago, I examined my financial situation. For some reason, it kept feeling tighter and tighter. I found a few spots where I can cut back. I also noticed that my numbers were steadily going up, but it wasn’t quite enough yet. With that being said, I needed to make a move.

Now, I work a lot. Being a business owner, a mental health counselor, and a professor. Then, add in the hour drive each way. And another six to eight hours of paperwork every weekend. I clock between 60 and 70 hours per week. You’d think with that many hours under my belt that I would be raking in the dough. Quite the contrary.

I thought about other ways to bring in extra money until my business can be more self-sustaining. I looked at taking on a counseling job at another practice. Teaching another college class would work. I even considered DoorDash. None of these options came close to just picking up more clients and adding an extra day at my office. I would make double any of the other options.

What this entailed then was being at my office six days a week. Throw on another hour drive each way. I was hesitant at the idea. There is little of my ass left to work because I work it off so much. I also miss family and friend events as it is.

I needed a second opinion and some reassurance. I spoke to my girlfriend about it. I ran my idea and concerns by her. She echoed my concerns, but she understood why I had to do it. We both came to the understanding that it was necessary and my best choice.

I definitely do not plan on doing this long-term, which I think helps with the idea. I simply remind myself that it is temporary, and that acts as a stepping stone towards the bigger picture. I am grateful too that I have the support of my loved ones who understand my plight. This going hand-in-hand with my health being in a place where I can take on these long days. I would’ve never handled this schedule five years ago with my fibromyalgia flares.

As much as I preach self-care, goal setting falls right under that umbrella. That includes what steps you need to take to get there. Sometimes we need to make that little extra push though. As much as it sucks, I know that putting this work in now will pay off. Once it steadies itself, I will bask in the success knowing what I did to get there.

-The Caring Counselor