Work frustration

First of all, I acknowledge that I'm lucky to have got my migraines under control so I CAN work (I know some of you can't).

Secondly, I acknowledge that my employers have been AMAZING about my migraine "regime" - they let me come in later, go home earlier if necessary etc, and really understand the process I go through with each migraine.

So today I'm super frustrated that while I want to expand my horizons professionally, I always have to keep in mind my regime to keep dastardly brain pain away. I've been asked to go to a conference that's about 1.5 hours travel away, then a full day's hard concentration, then - coincidentally my choir rehearsal evening, so a stupendously long day and one that's almost guaranteed to melt my brain just in time for the weekend.

I want to do more at work but can't and am stuck between living my routine-led, quiet (f*cking boring truth be told) life, and getting out there to experience stuff that gets me so frustrated. I can't help but compare myself to my colleagues who are out every night, work 12 hour days, go to weekend-long seminars and barely even complain about being tired, whereas I do one long day and am guaranteed to be out flat for the next 2.

I don't want to be mollycoddled or given special treatment. I want to go to the places my employers want me to go (for my own benefit), but just don't think I can! What to do!!??

Tricky situation. Not sure if this would work for you but it is one of my coping mechanisms for such days (eg travelling to see neuro or big family occaisions).

I write off a couple of days before and afterwards and do the very bare minimum I can on those days. So that could mean booking time off to recover afterwards and/or time off to rest beforehand to give you the best chance of getting through it. As I cannot work I guess it is easier for me to do this than it will be for you though. Plus it's not the nicest use of annual leave.

But maybe try cancelling other stuff around the time you want to do this to free you up a bit more, so not going to choir rehearsal on that day, and resting as much as possible in the evenings beforehand.

Good luck

Amy

Normally I would be right with you there, and that's a great suggestion, but I already had a day off this week, and can't miss choir as have a concert this weekend (another reason I can't meltdown!) Choir is also a big part of my coping mechanism because the proper breathing and emotional release I get from singing are a key part in staying sane through this all!

I'll just have to take it very easy the rest of the week... maybe come in late Friday or something...
LH

That does make it tough. I know a few people who use singing to stay sane like that with the breathing etc, I'm glad it helps you too.

Good luck with the concert

Amy