Burnout

Puternut

No wonder the witnesses are totally burned out. I was an elder for some time and climbed the spiritual ladder. Now that I am out, I have lots of time on my hands where I can be myself again, and do things I want to do. Let me explain:

It starts with Tuesday bookstudy 1 hr, Prepare for that 1 hr, visiting afterward 1 hr, Get there early 1/2hr

Thursday: Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting 2 hrs, Prepare for that 1 hr, visiting afterward 1 1/2 hr, Get there early 1/2hr

Sunday: Public Talk and WT Study 2 hrs, Prepare for that 1 hr, visiting afterward 1 1/2, Get there early 1/2

Study with 2 kids per week, 2 hrs,

Study with wife 1 hr per week,

Personal study 2 hrs per week,

Prepare for talks, 3 hrs per week,

Sheperding calls 1 hr, per week, travel to and from 1 hr,

Field Service 10 -15 hrs per week,

Elders Meetings, 2-3 hrs per week,

Committe Meetings avg 2 hrs per week,

Kingdom Hall projects, Rehearsals for assemblies, Hospital Visitation, Visiting the elderly, Elderschool Weekends, Assemblies, Conventions, calculates to about 3 hrs per week.

Totaling the above comes out to 7 hrs per day !! Where is the time for oneself?

unbeliever

When I stopped attending meetings my grades in school went up. Go figure!

Amazing

HI Puternut,

yes, it all sounds so familiar ... but in my case, the Elder meeting were a little less ... you stated something interesting:

Field Service 10 -15 hrs per week,

That was about the "monthly" average of most Elders I knew, and represented my own Field Service time, except those months where I Aux. Pioneered. You must have really kept a gruesome schedule ... mine was likewise terrible given that I also worked 45 miles away in San Francisco and also traveled a lot in my career ... my kids grew up well, but I have to credit my wife as she gave them more attention than I did.

Double Edge

I've never been a dub, but after reading your post, I'm exhausted! Here >>>>>

Undecided

It was the same for me. I moved away to get out from under the burnout. I moved back in less than a year and didn't go back to the hall, except an ocassional meeting. Then I quit altogether and faded out.

I remembered how it was to just be able to sit down and watch a program on TV. I did take time for sex though.

Ken P.

simplesally

Yeah, I had a job, 36 hours a week done in 3 days. Pioneered when it was 90 hours a month...........so thats 25 hours a week. That didn't include meetings or studying for them. Thank God I didn't have children or a spouse ............... then I would have had more time taken away from me.

stillajwexelder

Yes I certainly felt better after resigning as an elder -- much more time, much less stressed and a more balanced person -- I think

garybuss

Puternut, Did any of those activities you listed in your opening post have anything to do with books the group leaders wrote and published? GaryB

Puternut

GaryBuss,

Yes they did. And at the elders schools we spend numerous hours going over all the responsibilities as an elder. I once was approached by a Circuit and District, and was asked as to wether or not this was so encouraging. I looked both in the face and told them, this is one of the most DISCOURAGING schools I have ever been to. They asked why? I told them that there is too much demanded and required of elders, and there is simply not enough time in a month to accomplish all that is needed. If you didn't apply these things, you were not a good elder and may have to reschedule your other obligations. And they were sure to leave you guilt ridden if you were unable to do all that was outlined in the material.

I was a Presiding Overseer on top of that for two years. And had added repsonsibilities that I didn't mention in the opening post.

garybuss

They asked why? I told them that there is too much demanded . . . .

How did they accept your reply? Did it cool them off to you?

I have not read all your posts yet but I have appreciated those I have read. Thanks for being here and posting. GaryB

Burnout

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