I have been a construction foreman for a local homebuilder for nearly 20 years. Despite the recent economic woes, our company is in a pretty good market, and we have remained busy. As a matter of fact, my company expanded to a new market, opening up a branch in another state nearly 700 miles away. The president of the company told me that if I wanted to keep my job, I would have to become foreman in the new branch. My grown kids live only blocks away, and not long ago, I got to see the birth of my first grandchild. The thought of leaving and not seeing them grow tore me apart. My wife said she would not leave this town and her family, but my boss gave me the ultimatum: I move, or I'm out of a job. I was so torn and burdened by this that it was ruining my life. I couldn't eat or sleep, I couldn't stop my mind from spinning, I literally felt like I was losing control over all my life, my family, my career. I don't know where to go, where to turn, or what to do. My current situation at work has put me in a terrible position: I am forced to choose between my family and my career.
The recent stress of the situation has taken a toll on me and I cannot shake it. I have lost my appetite,
I don't sleep at night, and I am always tired. . . sometimes to the point that I am too tired to think any more.
But no matter what I do, I cannot turn my brain off. It constantly races with "what-if's" and second-guesses.
This is no way to live and I have to make something change. How do I cope with this?
