re-occuring job related nightmare - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

Broadwaygirl03 · 08-22-2003, 08:47 AM

A couple of weeks ago I started my very first job at a preschool as a teachers assistant. It was stressful at first because I wanted to do a good job but I was not experienced. While I knew that my boss knew I was, I still felt like I couldn't make any mistakes. But that was weeks ago and I feel much more comfortable now. Recently I've been having this re-occuring dream that is causing me major sleep deprivation. Its not really a dream- I'm more of in a state of semi-conciousness. I wake up and look around the room and I think that the kids are there and it's nap time. I keep telling myself I can't fall asleep on the job. It's so weird because at times I'll realize I'm in my room and other times I'll think I'm at school. It occurs when I'm semi-awake but not alert enough to rationalize. I'm so tired and my eyes are blood-shot from the lack of sleep. How can I fix this? I don't eat anything before I go to bed or do anything that would cause such dreams.

jaydees · 08-22-2003, 12:03 PM

In my humble opinion , it's a fear of failure dream the specifics of which may be triggered by your being asleep(the old adage "asleep at the switch" ). You want to do a good job but the idea is consuming you and you are carrying the job home with you. You have to learn to leave work at work. Try reading a novel that doesn't include any children or something else that wil require a lot of concentration. It gives your brain something else to work on rather than the problem of learning a new job.

NMc · 08-22-2003, 05:13 PM

I agree with jaydees. You're having classic "fear of failure" dreams, and many people have them when they start new jobs. When you were a student, did you ever have the dream that the teacher called upon you and you weren't prepared? That was a special favourite of mine. That, or I found out that an exam had been scheduled for that day and I didn't even know I was registered to be in the class! Once you realize you're doing a good job in the classroom, you'll stop having these dreams. In the meantime, try doing as jaydees suggests - read a good book before going to bed.

gesine · 08-22-2003, 07:20 PM

I think it may be a combination af fear and anxiety. I am a preschool teacher and it is a stressful position to have. I am certain that once you get into the swing of things - but start to feel much better. Maybe at the end of each day you can go though your day in your head and consciencely come to the conclusion that you are really doing ok in your job - kind of like a mental exercise. Good luck!!