Stress from work bleeding into family time and don't know how to stop it

5h ago1 min read

Had a really rough week at work. Customer account I've been managing for years is leaving for a competitor and my boss basically said it's on me. I came home and was short with the kids, checked emails during dinner, didn't really engage with my family. My 7 year old asked me why I was sad and I felt like absolute garbage. I know the job stuff isn't their problem but I can't seem to just switch off when I walk through the door anymore. Any tips on actually compartmentalizing this stuff or am I just going to be this stressed forever?

5 comments77 views

Comments(5)

MMasonNew Dadjust now

That's brutal about losing that account. One thing I learned is that you gotta actually mentally clock out or it eats everything. I started leaving my phone in another room during dinner - changed the whole vibe with the kids.

MMarkRegularjust now

When work stress bleeds into family time it wrecks everyone, not just you. I had a therapist tell me once that the kids can feel when you're not really there even if you're physically present. Maybe need a hard boundary between work hours and family time?

RRyan M.New Dadjust now

Losing an account you've managed for years has to sting. But don't let it steal your time with the family. That account's gone, your kids are still there waiting for you.

MMitch R.Regular4h ago

When stuff like that happens to me I try to do something intentional with the kids right when I get home, something that gets my head out of work mode. Makes a real difference.

RRich B.Regular4h ago

Man, that's rough about the account. Try to leave work at work when you walk through the door, even if it's just for an hour. Friday pizza night or something small can reset everything.