hyperthyroidism and job

Hey coaches,

i have a few complex questions and would appreciate some initial input:

I don’t know if I can or want to continue in my job. I’ve been struggling with it for years (I’m a stage designer at the theater) and just can’t get ahead. For the past 5 years I have had episodes of very severe hyperthyroidism and wonder if this is a physical warning signal that riding off in the theater is just too stressful.
The working conditions at the theater are very very hard. It’s a thoroughly patriarchal system based on exploitation. Nevertheless, I love my work and the people there. I have been doing it since I was 20 years old (now I am 37) and I have no comparison with other industries.

I know you can’t give medical advice, but I would appreciate any advice on how to deal with the hyperthyroidism and improve the situation.

Thank you very much!

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

 

Answer:

Making decisions is a skill to make them from a clean space, and with confidence that you are making the best decision for right now. Great question to share here.

First, let’s notice the thoughts you have about the job.
* I can’t get ahead
* Riding off in the theater is just/may be too stressful
* Working conditions are very very hard
* It’s a thoroughly patriarchal system based on exploitation.
* I love my work.
* I love the people there.

Although, some of these may seem like facts to you, they are thoughts. For example, although many people may agree with you about the patriarchal system and exploitation, probably the people benefiting from that don’t see it that way. Noticing that these are thoughts does not mean you have to change them. It gives us a chance to look at them, and challenge what is worth challenging.

For example, how come you can’t get ahead? How would leaving change that?

When we understand our thoughts, then we can choose what we want to keep with intention. It may sound like “I want to keep the thought that ‘It’s a thoroughly patriarchal system based on exploitation.'”

From there, think about how you would feel if you decided right now to stay. Why would you feel that way?

Then ask yourself how you would feel if you decided to leave. Why would you feel that way?

Looking at both sides and understanding why you feel that way may help you find what you really want. What kind of feeling would you want driving a decision like this?

In regards to the hyperthyroidism, what do you want help dealing with that is in regards to mindset work? If it is the episodes that you have had, then do models with the circumstance being those episodes. How do you feel (F) about them and why (T)? Notice what you do from that feeling. This may take more than one model. Feel free to bring them back here.