Job Stress

My boss forwarded an email which said the numbers from one data source I was responsible looked fishy. I became a little nervous after reading it, secretly hoping it was not fault. I checked the raw data and the numbers did look weird. I then searched for some background information on other institutions that collected the same kind of data but nothing was available. In the end I emailed the survey administrtor who sent us the raw data for help. He explained that he did the recoding (so an 1 would actually be a 36) but this recoding was not there in the codebook! No wonder the data did not sound right. I was happy it was not my fault.

I deal with numbers and present data with policy implications. For example I did a comparison of faculty salary at the university I work for and other institutions. Averages and medians in salaries from other universities were presented to give a sense of what's on the market from competitors. The project was finished already but I have a linger concern that I hope I gave the correct numbers or it is a huge mistake.

It is things like this that affects me without my even noticing it. The pressure to be correct all the time creeps on me. I go to the gym and sweat off , but it is not enough, seemingly. I look relaxed when I go home but I am jumpy at times at work. I also cannot get too much sleep at night. The alarm would go off in the morning and I would slam it down and try sleeping 10 more minutes. Sleeping early the previous night would not help, either. I am blaming my job for this. It is not like I don't like my job. I would hate being a faculty member even more. but not having to get up at 7:30 am sounds a goal.

Have to go. Boss and another co-workers' birtheday bash. Not my favorite ocassion (not knowing what to write on the B-cards and not being able to cut in when office conversation monopolizers take the floor) but I know I'll have some dessert at least. Don't know what it will be.