I just got a job in alaska but......

[skas99]

Hi everyone,
I just got a job in alaska doing seafood processing. However, my main concern about the job is that it involves alot of hours. I have severe social anxiety disorder that is being treated with medication. The medication has helped but the job involves working 90 hours a week. Its a seasonal job with 16 hours a day 7 days a week for 2 or 3 months is what I am looking at. I am already hired but my question is whether this job is not a good idea due to my anxiety disorder?? Any help is appreciated thanks.

 

[Lea]

I would worry rather about the cold and stress etc., I wish I could get a job like this because it´s probably well paid, but I´d have serious doubts if I could endure it physically.

 

[Finally]

Sounds like a great opportunity and one that you might regret if you don't go for it. Hey can I get a loan?

 

[Silatuyok]

That sounds rough physically, but it sounds like an interesting opportunity. I say go for it. :thumbup:

 

[BigTom]

Any opportunity like that should never be passed up, Go for it!, Work sleep work sleep work sleep etc

 

[Subpop]

Hey, congratulations on the job. I have worked in civil construction, underground mining and offshore drilling which involves 12 hour + shifts at times and working changing shifts. My own experience is that I had to make absolutely sure that I get enough sleep each day, and that I do not get into a sleep deficit situation. Sleep deficit is cumulative. If I normally get 7 hours per night, but only manage 5 for say 4 days, having a longer sleep on the 5th day doesn't make up for the 8 hours I have missed over the 4 days. It took me a while to actually 'get' this concept, but if you are working 14+ hours per day I suspect it will be really crucial to your mental wellbeing towards the end of your 3 month employment.

The other thing I will offer is to try and eat a good diet. I'm not sure what sorts of food will be on the menu in Alaska, but try to be mindfull of the fact that food effects quality of sleep.

Hope you are being well renumerated for the work and that it proves to be a good experience for you.

 

[Opaline]

Whoa, whoa. Don't turn it down, just... tell them the job isn't for you, but that there's someone you'd like to recommend *cough*

On a serious note, do you know how much contact you'd have with others? Some contact is good to practice exposure therapy, in my opinion, but too much/too stressful of an environment is probably not a good idea until you reach a point with your SA where you can handle it. That's been my experience, anyway.

It sounds like a really good opportunity. Why not try it and if it doesn't work out, let them know the job isn't for you?

 

[mixedupgirl]

I don't think you'll need to worry about socialising....you'll be busy, busy, busy...

Personally though I think that is waaayy too many hours...16 a day...7 days a week thats not 90 hours thats 112 a week! It is way too many hours for me anyway when I don't get enough rest my anxiety gets worse. If you can hack that many hours and don't mind being very tired then sounds like its for you... i'm assuming its good money

 

[ForeverTheWeirdKid]

Set some tiny financial goals, let them motivate you. Consider why you need the job in the first place.

 

[Richey]

90 hours a week? so it's 60% above standard industry full time hours.

no wonder you're stressed out.
(understatement)

if it was me i'd talk to the supervisors/agency and just be honest, you work hard but standard 40 hours with some overtime being ok is what you're looking for.

work too far over the standard hours and your performance will suffer, you will be more tired and very stressed out, even without anxiety.

that isn't normal, i don't know many who have or would do that unless there was some incentive for a gauranteed position with good training and some gold ticket at the end.

anyway good luck on what you decide to do.

 

[Johnson8681]

I have been to alaska 7 times processing I have social anxiety its no different sure you will have it there to though that wont be your biggest challenge just go with the thought I am going to complete my contract and not give up no joke it will be the toughest thing you will ever do but when u make it through you will be better for it have a goal in mind of what u want to do with ur time and money when u get back it helps it is a great experience even though it is so tough. you will appreciate it and learn from it hope this helps and good luck