Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject: "Shutting it off"
By now, we all know how the auto repair industry can take a toll on our health. The chemicals we use, the physical demands on our bodies, and interaction with customers and the germs they might be carrying are just a few examples. But what about the mental health?
Stress kills. Been proven, been talked about ad nauseum. But it's true, so how does one deal with it? Is it as easy as "flipping the switch" when you lock the door to leave at closing time (or later)? Are there de-stressing activities or practices that you've had to use?
At times during the year, the workload becomes such that I have a hard time leaving work at work, and I'm going through one of those times now. Without deep detail, a flood of work arrived nearly all at the same time and of course everyone wants it done NOW, so the weight of everyone's expectations are getting a little heavy.
Comments and/or suggestions welcomed.
_________________ Joe Fordyce
Service Manager
ARS Automotive
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:14 pm Post subject:
I haven't had that problem lately. When I did, what helped me was scheduling my work. I take as much as I can do and the rest will just have to wait. I don't have enough real estate to store a lot of cars and I'm too old to work 12 hour days. I just take what I can do and let the rest go.
_________________ Fred Reece
Business Owner/Consultant
Dallas, TX, USA
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 774 Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:54 pm Post subject:
Hi Joe,
Don't forget an important part of the job we do is to provide funds to enjoy life. I love my work, but I love my time off also. I don't think I could make it without both. It might be time to take some time . . .
Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 6 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject:
Thanks Fred, but the situation is one that could not be scheduled. Black ice struck the area on Saturday, which left us with a lot full of collision work. This is going to include suspension, exhaust, driveline, and the like, which is in my department. These things happen ON TOP OF already scheduled work. I realize that things have to wait, but since I care about my customers, I tend to want to exceed their expectations - and as crazy as it may sound, that includes the insurance companies that deal so closely with our collision shop. Care = burdening myself? To some extent, yes.
_________________ Joe Fordyce
Service Manager
ARS Automotive
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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