December 14, 2015
It's A Tough Job, But It's MY Job

Dr. Laura:

Recently I heard a call from a physician's wife who was having a hard time dealing with his schedule and running the household.  My husband isn't a physician, but he's a police officer.  There are many similarities in their lifestyles, like crazy schedules with unscheduled interruptions.  They both save lives, work extremely hard and are emotionally and physically drained when their day is done.  My husband often brings the work home even though he tries hard not to.  

Sometimes I want to yell at him for sleeping until 2PM, not doing the dishes, or picking up after the kids.  There are many times I wish he were more energetic and emotionally there.  Then I pause and remember that he works in the middle of the night, doing 12 to 15 hour shifts.  He deals with much more than the "average" person during work hours, and he works hard.  I remember that he has woken up after 3 hours of sleep to attend our son's school program or coach Little League.  He risks his life for us every day.

As his wife, I have become the rock that everyone needs for consistency.  It's a tough job, but it's MY job.  My advice to callers like that physician's wife is to OWN it.  You DO have a tough life and it's not going to change.  Make it your job to find peace and be the glue that holds everything together.  You might feel unappreciated, but your family won't think so.  You'll be the sanity and the love they need.  Know that all your hard work is truly needed and IS appreciated.  Remember you have a great man, and you are the great wife he needs.

Amy


Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM