Some days I am really amazed at how much I can accomplish in my waking hours. Working in a school means that it doesn’t matter what you planned; it can all change when a student walks in with a question or in crisis. This is one of the busiest times of year as kids are melting down and exhausted. As counselors, we try to stay on top of our struggling students but it can be challenging given the sheer volume we each have on our caseloads.

But it makes sense. The sun is barely out anymore. The end of daylight savings throws everyone off. And teachers are tired too. Parents start to show up all of a sudden showing an interest in their child’s performance and expecting them to use the break to get caught up. Yes, there is physically time given to students to make up work but it is also called a break for a reason. Students and staff alike to need to regroup and recharge for the final push until the end of the semester. It’s amazing how quickly it goes by.

Outside of school, I see clients twice a week and on Saturday mornings. Most people tell me I’m crazy but I have always had 2+ streams of income. I was taught early in life to have a back-up plan. Having my LPC is my back up plan. And seeing clients is my extra/vaca/goal money. It’s hard to live on an educator salary sometimes so this gives me a little boost without having to tend bar anymore and be up until the wee hours of the morning. I’m still working 2 jobs but I’m much more rested and sane this way. And my body doesn’t ache. I miss the cash but the consistent extra paycheck quickly helps me get over it.