Jenny had worked for close to a decade at a job she really didn’t like, but stayed with it because the pay was good. She liked most of her colleagues even though she was only really close to few. She thought she was generally liked except for a few who, if the truth be told, didn’t like anyone, not even themselves.

The job had helped her purchase a great home in the suburbs with a garden to die for. She loved her home so much that when another job opportunity came calling in another state, she refused it, for the simple reason that she didn’t want to leave her dream home. Her four children, two girls and two boys had all grown up. Rene had graduated from college two years ago. Colin had graduated just under a year ago while the two girls, Cindy and Kathy were in 1st and third year of college respectively.

Jesse, was Jenny’s husband of 28 years.  They had a great relationship and enjoyed each other’s company. He held a well paying executive position with a local shipping company. Jenny often brushed away the feelings of envy she felt at her husband’s success. While she was solidly behind each and everyone of them and played a big part in his career advancement, she felt somewhat left behind.

It was three years ago when Jenny had her own success story to tell. She was offered a temporary assignment in another part of her company where she would be doing  the kind of job she really loved. She got to travel, meet people and work with a great group. Unlike her last position, there was no shift work which allowed her more time for leisure and family.

It came suddenly on one summer day. Jenny faced her  pale-faced  boss, Eric,  who told her that her services would no longer be needed and that she would have to return to her old job. She tried to hold back the tears as everything else Eric said after that fell on deaf ears. She struggled desperately to comprehend how it could suddenly be all over. Did she really believe him when he said he had tried to keep her but could do nothing, but part of her questioned if he really did.

Jenny left work early that day. She called Jesse and gave him the bad news. She could not return to the old job, it would kill her she thought. What were her options? She couldn’t quit; she desperately needed the money with two children in college and two older ones  still at home trying to find themselves. Her head pounded for the next few days. She ached in places she never had before. Was she having a stroke? Should she go see her doctor? Could she be suffering from depression? Worse yet, was she having a nervous breakdown? What was happening to her life?

Ten days, sleepless nights and tormented moments later,  Jenny realised something was wrong. She could no longer function at home or work. She was angry and showed it; no one was safe from her uncontrollable outbursts. The return to her old job hadn’t gone well and she feared for her health. It was time to talk to a professional and take a long, long break from work and the stresses it brought her. And so she did, Just in the nick of time.