How do you know when you're stretching yourself too thin? Right now I'm working 40-50 hours a week at a dead-end factory job, being a full-time student at Colorado Technical University Online, and now looking for a second job to help pay the bills. Needless to say my social life my take a small hit, but I feel like it's necessary, and I'm positive I can keep a healthy social life (even if it's not as often). Has anyone else ever been in a situation like this? How do you know if it's too much? Anyone have any pointers to help me keep my sanity over the next year?

If you still have time to mingle on mingle then you're ok.

Yeah, what she said.

Phew! That's a relief!

I used to go to college (6yrs), have a part time job, plus going to the national guard once a weekend a month and I had a full time girlfriend to be with.

Now, I barely work (not enough work), have all the time in the world and no girlfriend, so no, you're not stretching yourself too thin.

I have seen a lot of people working all the hours under the sun with a second job that havent spent proper time trying to change their main job to a better paid one. I know that is easier said than done, but it may be worthwhile in the long run if something does come up.

No one can analyze your priorities but you.

Put your 'big boy pants' on and make an executive decision regarding the quality of your life.

Best wishes!

I'm relieved too, relieved that you are able to join us.

Im a hedonist .....i got nuthin' Mingle onward

Oh, no. I wasn't asking about my priorities. I know for a fact my main priority is to get my degree and become a juvenile probation officer. I was just wondering if anybody else has ever felt like they were stretching themselves too thin, constantly exhausted, sore, etc., and I was wondering if anyone has any pointers on how to stay a bit more relaxed and help me get through the next year.

It can be done Josh, but I wouldn't advise it long term. Your health will suffer eventually.

It's just for another year.

See:buddhism Your desire is causing suffering.....

You'll do fine! I did it....still do it. You're a man on mission!

I'm definitely suffering... Stressed induced chest pains (not a heart attack, but I'm confused as to what causes it.....besides stress), and I'm exhausted.

Smoking?

Well, in that case (you didn't mention this in your first post), take it easy. You gotta slow down with certain things, your degree is worthless if you cripple yourself before getting it.

no kidding......it's all in the details.

Hell yes! That's life!

Just make alone time for yourself and know your limits.

Live a healthy lifestyle: healthy foods; exercise; no drugs or smoking; no excess drinking. That's the duh factor so the rest has to come from you.

Not as much as I was before. I used to smoke a pack a day, now I'm down to about five or six cigarettes a day.... I'm making my way to smoke free. I've also cut back on drinking, and I'm eating a more balanced diet and exercising more as well. I'm slowly working towards a healthier life. When I got out of the Army I smoked and drank constantly, but that's over now!