I have grappled with this for years. Faculty members think I should be around whenever they need me and the students think I work 24/7. My brothers "tease" me because I don't work a 60-80 hour week--but I don't earn the kind of money for that many hours. Of course none of them see the computer work on the weekends, the grading and keeping up with class prep, even though it isn't really part of my job to teach.

Having been in therapy three times since I took this job in 1990, there are no easy answers. Working out at the gym lowers my high levels of adrenaline. Having started riding this summer has helped. Knowing I am retiring in two months is definitely making a difference. But I still wake up at 4:30, wondering if I can get through the working day and what unpleasant things will hit me.

Spend time with people you enjoy and make time for activities you want to do. Easier to say than to do, but everything worthwhile takes some thought and effort.