Major Burnout!!

[Unregistered]

I have been doing this for 15 years and am having major burnout! really feel like it is time for me to close this chapter of my life, but have to work so need to get looking for another job.
I just don't think I can make it through the summer. So tired of crying and messes, parents that just don't care and make so many demands!
Don't know where to look for work or how apotential employer will view my child care business for the last 15 years.
HELP!!!

[melilley]

This may not help, but could you see yourself working in a center environment? Maybe if you still like working with children, you could go to a center where there are others to help when it gets stressful and you don't have to handle parents by yourself! I have worked in centers for 14 years and now have my own in home childcare. It was nice to have other people to help and talk to and also help with the parents and I sometimes miss that. Don't get me wrong, I did get burnt out at the center and am happy having my own business, but I do miss having others around other than just the kids. Or do you want to do something different all together?

[Unregistered]

I am ready for something different. I have loved working with the children and watching them grow through these years, but time for a change.

[slorey]

I don't have much advice to offer you, but I can sympathize with you. My heart has finally convinced my head that closing my daycare is the best thing for me right now (now if I could just get my husband on board with that plan). I have been doing this for only 5 years but I just do not enjoy it anymore. I care about the kids but I have just had enough. My problem is trying to figure out what I want to do instead. I used to teach and would have loved to go back to that but the education system in our state is a mess right now and I don't think I would enjoy that either right now. I wish you the best in your job search. Remember, you haven't just been a child care provider these past 15 years, but a small business owner as well. Maybe employers will look at it that way, depending on what career path you want to take next. Good luck!

[melilley]

Remember, you haven't just been a child care provider these past 15 years, but a small business owner as well. Maybe employers will look at it that way, depending on what career path you want to take next. Good luck!

So true!

[MaritimeMummy]

15 years? Wow, that's admirable! I only made it 20 months before burning out and getting out of it!

I can tell you, potential employers really like people who have worked for themselves, based on my interview experience!

[Starburst]

Man, it seems like a lot of people on this site are closing their business.

[wahmof3]

Man, it seems like a lot of people on this site are closing their business.

I find that interesting. I do know that I would if I could.

[crazydaycarelady]

I think any employer would view your dc business favorably. You were a business owner for 15 years. That means you worked hard, kept clients, and are stable!

Is there any way you could take Fridays off this summer? I have found it possible because parents can usually find a high school or college girl to come in once per week. I have done it the last few years and it really helps with my attitude!

[Blackcat31]

Man, it seems like a lot of people on this site are closing their business.

Just as providers need assistance with opening, running and maintaining their businesses, they sometimes need assistance with closing up shop.

There are constant threads about it...here are a bunch:

https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php?tag=closing+daycare

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I find that interesting. I do know that I would if I could.

Me, too. I enjoy what I do but I'd enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom FAR more.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I think any employer would view your dc business favorably. You were a business owner for 15 years. That means you worked hard, kept clients, and are stable!

Is there any way you could take Fridays off this summer? I have found it possible because parents can usually find a high school or college girl to come in once per week. I have done it the last few years and it really helps with my attitude!

That's a great idea! What are your hours? Would it be possible to cut back some?

[MamaBearCanada]

Me, too. I enjoy what I do but I'd enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom FAR more.

Me too!

[MNMommy2]

Me, too. I enjoy what I do but I'd enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom FAR more.

Ditto! I miss my SAHM days SOOO much. I am close to being there again, God willing!

Good luck on your job search. I agree w/ the others, it is not as though you were not working all those years, you were working HARD I am sure! There are so many things you could put a great spin on, I would imagine.

[AmyKidsCo]

Me, too. I enjoy what I do but I'd enjoy being a stay-at-home-mom FAR more.

I kind of would too, but we can't afford it so this is the next-best. At the same time I do love my job, I just wish we weren't so dependent on my income.