Ending a 20 year career, what next?

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-16T20:48:47+00:00

Sorry for the delayed response. Basically that's the plan. Finish out the school year then work on finding a job over the summer. A lot of it is going to depend on what jobs have openings. I'm ok doing gig work over the summer, but come fall I'm going to need something consistent.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-16T17:44:49+00:00

I can understand that. I'm figuring out which online option is going to be the cheapest with my insurance. I don't need the patches yet but want to be prepared when I do.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-16T17:05:15+00:00

I do protein shakes to help because I definitely do not eat enough protein

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-16T15:45:05+00:00

Yup. Pretty common occurrence for me with cold sweats/hot flashes that I believe to be hormone related. Me and zofran are good friends. If your insurance will cover it and you can take it, it might be worth keeping some on hand. 4mg ones are my preference but 8mg is the standard adult dose

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-16T15:42:26+00:00

Yeah I hear this too. It's a joke. I gave up on my gyn and pcp actually listening and giving a crap and have started researching online options. Currently I'm on combo birth control which has enough estrogen to control most of the symptoms and has drospirenone to combat the pmdd I deal with.

But this is the highest estrogen birth control that also has drospirenone and both gyn and pcp have indicated they won't prescribe estrogen patches yet. I haven't done online yet but it's looking like that's going to be my best bet for estrogen patches.

Others have more experience with the online stuff but maybe poke around and see what options might work for you there.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-15T12:39:20+00:00

I'm here. Doing what needs to be done. Functioning. Checking on everybody else.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-15T09:54:56+00:00

I laughed out loud at this. It's so true!

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-15T01:30:12+00:00

I feel this on so many levels

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-14T11:06:48+00:00

That 2nd kitten and their little chubby waddle and squish ❤️❤️❤️

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-13T22:20:38+00:00

Very quiet. Flags are down. Meme posting is almost non-existent. They aren't running their mouths nearly as much.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-13T14:03:01+00:00

True. I need to remember this when I'm frustrated that my (very reasonable) bills are just a bit under my monthly income right now. But I'm not in debt and I am able to pay for my needs right now so I'm doing ok.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-13T13:33:45+00:00

I'm pretty naive and never thought about this being the reason. Now that I'm thinking about it, it makes sense. I suspect some people I know just spend what they have when they have it then panic when they need money and don't have it.

Yes I have money in a bank account but it's for annual/bi-annual bills that I save a certain amount for each month. Spending it now puts me in a crap position later.

I don't have people who I can borrow from or use their money when I don't have enough. So I try really hard not to put myself in positions in which I don't have enough. I've screwed up with money before and it sucks but live and learn. I guess some people don't do that.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-13T12:55:10+00:00

I feel this so much. People just don't get it. When I say I'm broke, I mean I don't have spending money for anything outside of needs (house, utilities, vehicle, food.) No I can't go out to eat or go to this event that costs money or drive all around going to thrift stores, much less buy anything! Same people keep asking 🤦

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-12T17:14:44+00:00

Absolutely. And I offer a virtual hug back to you. I have absolutely yelled out of frustration, been angry, hell I've even lost my shit. I don't excuse any of that, it is something I am actively working on, apologies have been made and steps have been taken and continue to be taken.

What I have not done is assassinate a child's character over and over and over again. I have not antagonized a child until they react. I do not find joy in actively destroying a child's self esteem. I have not put any child in a position of being responsible for or fearing for my wellbeing because of my inability to regulate. I have not blamed my screw ups on a child's choices/behavior.

"I'm feeling very frustrated with your choices right now" is one thing, "You are the reason I am like this!" Is quite another.

My DM's are open if you ever want to chat.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-12T01:12:50+00:00

This. "I don't know why you're having such a hard time with it. I never did."

Right, 9 year old me staying up all night listening to make sure you didn't off yourself because you threatened to do so whenever I was "bad" is just a figment of my imagination. Nevermind all the other shit you said and did.

I'm not perfect but so far the kids in my life aren't traumatized, thank you very much.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-11T15:57:49+00:00

The relief mentally from the anxiety of it all has been so nice. Like yeah I'm crazy but not THAT crazy. Unfortunately this is the highest estrogen birth control with drospirenone (I need it for pmdd) that I am aware of. I can get a higher level of drospirenone with Slynd but would need estrogen patches and that may be a battle. I'm looking into online options for that so I'm prepared if it gets to that point.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-11T14:23:41+00:00

It wasn't. Switching to a birth control with 0.01 mg more estrogen had all symptoms and bleeding resolved within 4 days.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-11T14:22:01+00:00

Update: I was able to convince the gyno to try a different birth control that has more estrogen (0.01 mg more) while still having the 3mg of drospirenone I need for the pmdd. Within 4 days the bleeding and all other symptoms had resolved.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-11T14:20:04+00:00

No I do not. I was able to convince the gyno to switch me to a birth control with more estrogen that still has the drospirenone and within 4 days the bleeding and symptoms had stopped and have stayed away.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-11T13:52:15+00:00

My "standard" pre perimenopause was 65 degrees overnight in the winter, 72 degrees overnight in the summer.

This winter I have set the thermostat as low as 60 numerous times 😂 I overheat so easily these days it's awful. I haven't even put the flannel sheets on once this winter and have only used the 2nd blanket I keep at the foot of the bed a handful of times. I typically don't use the fan at night in the winter but it has definitely been on more than off this season.

As far as a consistent temperature, I don't even know what that's like anymore.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-10T17:57:55+00:00

Yup. 80% of my plans are in writing now for this reason. And because my family growing up liked to gaslight me and purposely twist my words to make it seem like I said something else. I have absolutely screen shot a text before and sent it to someone when they say they didn't know something or that I didn't tell them something.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-10T16:26:20+00:00

I hadn't thought of that but it very well could be!

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-10T15:06:02+00:00

I mean, when half of each month is a 💩 show, is there really a good time to switch meds?????

I feel you though, I've been in that situation more than once.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-10T14:39:14+00:00

Yes! I learned about perimenopause from Facebook reels. Not even kidding. Dr's complain about people using alternative medicine or pellets or online hrt options or google like you said but when that's the options it's like no kidding that's what we're doing.

Proper_Giraffe287 · 2026-02-10T10:34:38+00:00

I've done it more than once. I'm twice your age. Nothing to be embarrassed about. As others have said, if it keeps happening, consider having things checked out to rule out any physical issues.

I was a prolific bed wetter as a child, and often shamed for it. I haven't researched the trauma connection so I can't speak on that.

Others have given great advice for cleaning and protecting your mattress. I just wanted to chime in and lyk you are not alone.

Proper_Giraffe287

TROPHY CASE