Hospital...Again

 This morning was a follow-up visit for David.

He had a neurological consult to see if he had some kind of seizure and an echo of his heart to see if there was a problem there. Of course, everything was normal, also because a few days had passed since he collapsed, the reason might have resolved itself! I'm glad that he doesn't have any serious problems, but as always, it's a worry! 

This latest episode has made him determined to quit his job. He has been working nights for 5 years now. When we lived in the other house, it was just a 5-minute bike ride to work; now it takes over 40 minutes to drive there and back. Not a long commute but a stressful one, the roads aren't well-lit, and when the weather is bad, it can be rather treacherous. He's always tired, doesn't eat well and feels a lot of stress. 

There used to be a stigma against changing jobs in Japan, especially for people my age. The idea was you work for one company for your whole life, even if the job isn't great or you are struggling with your health, mental health or physical health. I remember talking to students when I first came, they would complain about their jobs, the overtime, the co-workers who would gossip or spread bad rumours, many little things that made life miserable. I would ask why they don't change jobs, just the thought of that would horrify them! Now, however, people are more aware of how stress impacts our lives, how it builds up until something gives, either our mental or physical health! I've come across a few YouTube channels of young people who stepped away from their jobs, especially jobs in the corporate world. As one YouTuber put it, "I just want to breathe again"

I've been lucky in that I've run my own business for many years. Of course, there is pressure with that as well, but I've put priority on my family. I would make sure that I never have classes on Sunday, I would take holidays, maybe a couple of days a month. I would have a long holiday in the summer because I know that I get sick in the heat and humidity. 

This past year, I haven't had many students, my schedule has been very relaxed, and I think I needed that. I was burnt out from teaching, stressed from moving and starting over. Dealing with the issues in this house, then with Hannah's health, was enough for me; a heavy workload as well would have been too much for me! Now, however, I'm ready to do more! I've found that I actually enjoy teaching! I think that the students I have now are really nice, both the few adults I have and the kids I teach. I'm ready for a new challenge.

I hope to build up my school, restart both here and in the other city! 

I had a little walk around the garden yesterday and found these cute flowers!

Aren't they pretty!

Also, the mountain is looking very majestic.

Grey morning, but there is something about that view that always captures my heart!