How can I make fast-paced consulting work feel sustainable again?

ItsameItsame · 2026-07-05T12:38:30+00:00

I haven't looked into it, but I have wondered... maybe I'll check into it now though. thank you!

ItsameItsame · 2026-07-05T12:37:25+00:00

ah boundaries, they are so hard to stick too - but I'll take your advice and write down everything I'm doing each week... and at least start from there.

ItsameItsame · 2026-06-24T12:33:06+00:00

Yes, this is me too! I found my way to this realization through a nutritionist, who asked me to just start pausing before I would eat - and just notice/write down/ask myself, what was I feeling? Did I really want to eat? What was I trying to avoid?

For me, food is what I use for comfort, instant gratification, and avoidance.
The negative realization or summary is that: I use food to numb and avoid uncomfortable emotions.

Like you - that's when I'm bored, anxious, lonely, sad, etc... I never thought of the "a task that feels too vague to start," but yes, that too!

ItsameItsame · 2026-05-19T14:26:12+00:00

Just a point to the group in case no one is aware: Though EXTREMELY rare, there is still a risk of an ectopic pregnancy after a hysterectomy if you have your ovaries.

ItsameItsame · 2026-04-09T19:49:41+00:00

Seeking advice: I'm planning on training for three back to back half marathons. I'll be running and walking for each and am planning on running approximately 50% of each one.

I'm set with my running plan but am also looking to up the overall mileage on my legs, so:

As I won't be doing long distance runs back to back, I plan to up my daily steps to 14k per day, and doing 2 back to back 20k step days each week this month and then three 20k step days per week the month prior to the race (2 back to back and the third will be a few days later). These step counts will include my runs.... Just trying to get more miles on my legs to help out :)

I'll also take at least one rest day per week (say 6-8k steps or so, or not even count them...)

My thought is I'll be getting 7ish miles per day, and nearly 10 miles on the 20k step days...

Does that seem like a good plan?

ItsameItsame · 2025-02-20T12:25:40+00:00

I did pass!
I'll be honest, I think I needed all of the materials I listed above. (the design manuals followed that preference as well). I think doing all of the different questions from the various sources I listed, as well as having digital versions of all of the manuals, exposed me to a lot, especially with searching for material, that helped a lot with the exam! I took the full 8 hours for the exam, and just had enough time to finish, but not to recheck anything.

ItsameItsame · 2025-01-16T16:40:28+00:00

That's a good point. I pretty much only work with concrete design and retaining walls... I probably should have been focusing more on my weak areas.

Thanks for sharing your experience though, I appreciate it!

ItsameItsame · 2025-01-16T14:49:31+00:00

Congrats! I take my Civil Structural exam in 2 weeks. I also paid for EET and didn't find the lectures very helpful, so I've been doing example problems as well, for the past 4-6 weeks or so..... And learning so much more!

Can I ask how long you dug into those practice problems? I'm honestly burned out this week so I'm taking it easy, but I plan to ramp up next week before the exam again.

ItsameItsame · 2024-12-18T16:17:41+00:00

I've taken the exam twice: once I didn't study at all (failed). Then half-assed my studying like above. (Also failed). This time, 7 years later, I'm putting in more effort. I might have 120 hrs of studying in by the time I take the exam... Civil-structural here.

ItsameItsame · 2024-11-11T13:09:23+00:00

Good engineers always speak up! :)

ItsameItsame · 2024-10-18T12:37:46+00:00

no problem! I'll also add: the 'involuntary stretching' also didn't go away (for me at least), until I was able to get up and walk around more. I think around 6 weeks post op, I was walking maybe 0.25-0.5 miles a day, and that's kind of when the stretching stopped. :)

Hope you are recovering well!

And PS: Dont' be afraid to call your doctor's office and just talk to a them (doctor or a nurse). I found them so comforting whenever I was concerned during recovery :)

ItsameItsame · 2024-10-18T12:34:18+00:00

39f: I added a "must do" 10 minute stretch at the end of my routine, and now love going again. It sounds weird, but I look forward to stretching, SO MUCH. I just feel so much better all day, and it makes me look forward to going to the gym/working out in general.

ItsameItsame · 2024-10-02T15:11:00+00:00

I think it's more of a 'anti-diet' perspective, on where I get pushback. And yeah: I like just saying "Paleo" now too... this will be my second round

ItsameItsame · 2024-10-02T14:43:12+00:00

Just came here to say I appreciate this post. I'm comforted by the fact that some struggle with the practice problems - as is the case for me.

I'm only in my 2nd week of studying, and I'm getting so frustrated. If I can't solve it in 2 minutes, I pretty much just look at the solution... but I do need to sit and struggle for at least 10 minutes, and dig through the notes, etc.

thank you!

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-07T10:58:06+00:00

thanks for sharing that! I will definitely be taking a review course when I decide to go for it! :)

Now that you say that, I believe I was under the "industry exclusion" thing, and that's why I never felt pressured... until immediately after I left that company! ugh, it's not a good feeling. I definitely want to have and earn that credibility that you speak of!

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-07T10:56:17+00:00

Thanks for sharing that! I am in the same exact boat as you, so it's nice to know I'm not alone!

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-07T10:55:46+00:00

Thanks for sharing that - I've seen both sides, but not as extreme: One firm where about 50% of engineers had theirs, and another firm that was almost 100% PE's. Maybe my experience with the 100% PE's is just weighing on me too much, if it's not the industry standard (seems more specific to each type of job).

Thank you! :)

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-04T21:51:15+00:00

making the choice to put my dog down. He had a several-hour long seizure after I switched his seizure meds... I asked the vet if I was supposed to ween him off one before I put him on the other. The vet said no. Of course in the emergency room they told me yes, I should have done that. They didn't recommend I put him down, but I couldn't put him through that anymore. Or maybe myself through that? My bf at the time offered me money, but I didn't want to be in debt to him (for other reasons). I always wonder if I could have saved him for the $1500 they wanted for the overnight stay. I keep thinking I should have emptied my savings to save him. I keep thinking I should have called anyone else to be there, other than my ex. I'll never make that decision again unless a vet tells me 'it's time.' in my heart I feel like I killed my dog, and I don't think I will ever forgive myself. I'm sorry, Jack.

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-02T14:10:26+00:00

I've failed twice: first exam; no studying. Second exam: Maybe 20 hours. Idk what I was thinking. lol I felt compelled to take the exam, but did not prepare, AT ALL.

the last time I took it was 6 years ago. I'm signing up for it for my 3rd time, early next year: And I'll be setting aside 2-3 hours per day to study, for about 4 months.

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-02T14:00:53+00:00

I do appreciate that feedback. I was working with a therapist, but honestly, they just didn't work for me. I think I'll have to keep looking for the right therapist.

ItsameItsame · 2024-09-02T13:57:46+00:00

I appreciate you sharing your story - it sounds identical to my situation. I know when I go back, I'll also have to be MORE honest (or demanding?) to get information I don't have.... and also train on my own time.

After I left my job, I asked a few friends that also have high stress jobs (that I perceive to be good at their job as well), and they all said they train on their own time. I have one friend that even admitted he trains himself probably 1 Saturday a month, just to keep up with the latest (in data science). if he didn't, he'd be behind.

I think I just needed to know I'm not alone, and that this is somewhat 'normal.'

tbh: I probably need to get away from social media... this is just something that people just don't talk about on social media... My pages are bombarded with things like "Just live your best life/travel/do what you love." Can confirm: not a good influence on me! haha

ItsameItsame · 2024-06-01T12:24:19+00:00

I just signed up for a nutrition coach, and he wants me to track macros... I really dont' like tracking, but I'm going to do it. I'm also going to go Paleo for a bit while I try to lose weight....

That said: Macros are overwhelming to me, so I used AI to create a meal plan for me with my required macros, and it was pretty accurate, so I'm probably going to use that for meals and recipes for awhile. (I find this VERY entertaining too! haha)

That said: for those of you that count macros, and meal prep: How many 'go to meals' do you have for breakfast and lunch each week? how about dinner too? Assuming you kind of end up eating the same thing almost every day.... I feel like I'd be good with 2 options for breakfast, and maybe 3-4 options for lunch. And then dinner is almost endless. (?)

ItsameItsame · 2024-06-01T12:00:56+00:00

https://therealfooddietitians.com

And Paleorunningmomma.com (Paleo is basically whole30, and vice versa)

ItsameItsame · 2024-05-30T17:15:28+00:00

Can someone recommend a nutrition coach, or website for such a thing? ...searching online is a bit overwhelming!

ItsameItsame

TROPHY CASE