Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/646059
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»I'ma27-year- old teacher of remedial English at a high-needs urban high school. I'm in my second year, and this job has completely worn me out. It has been a constant barrage of disrespectful students, absent parents, zero fund- ing, lack of curriculum and unsup- portive ad- ministration every day for nearly two years. I began having bouts of insomnia and anxiety regularly. I could tell my attitude and health were getting bad, and I applied to another school for a midyear change (a very drastic thing to do in teaching). I quickly got an offer at a much wealthier school that will supposed- ly solve all my problems. However, I'm still strung out with anxiety and de- pression, which had been manageable for years, and now what I really want is just a break. From life, from work, from having to try so hard to get any- thing done. I am going to start taking some kind of antidepressants (through my doctor) and will be re-entering therapy, but I don't know if I can deal with the stress of teaching again, even with a higher- performing group. I also feel guilty about possibly passing up this good opportunity and about changing jobs so often. Shouldn't I have settled into a great profes- sion by now? Won't I just look flaky if I keep chang- ing jobs, although I do feel like I'm growing with each position, learning what my strengths and weakness are, etc.? I know there will be other opportunities for me. I am so scared of starting this new job, and I just want to stop. I have the resources and family support to take off the rest of the semester and summer if I need to. To be in counseling, to find the right antidepressants, to exercise, to just be healthy. But I just can't help shaking my uncle's words: "Buck up! This is the real world." —NeedsaBreak DEAR NEEDS » It sounds like part of what is going on right now is anxiety about starting at this new school. Starting a new job at a new place is extremely stressful for anyone. Are you able to handle this stress, which would pass in a week or so, without it triggering more health problems? You and your therapist should discuss it. My own opinion is that you should accept that you are nervous and have your goal be to teach until th e en d of t he scho ol year, and then use the summer break to reassess. Ulti- mately, teaching might not be the best profession for you, but teaching at this new school would help you to decide. You should continue to search for a profession that provides the work/ life balance you require to be healthy. Your uncle is right — there are defi- nitely times in life when bucking up is definitely called for, but if you have extreme anxiety, bucking up would simply not be possible. An important aspect of adulthood is taking responsibility for your own health. Stressed teacher wonders about exiting from profession You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Pisces(Feb.20-March20) — Your relentless courage will help you accomplish what you set out to do, but it will also lead to controversial backlash. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Your benevolence will be rewarded. Finding solutions and doing your part to improve the environment, your neighborhood or a cause you believe in will bring you greater acclaim. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Be creative with how you go about getting things done, but don't cause discord with someone you love; get his or her OK before you proceed. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — You will be popular with most of your peers, but someone will be jealous of your accomplish- ments and will challenge you. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Get involved in activities that include romance or the youngsters in your life. The experience you have will spark an idea that will improve your surroundings. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Do your best to ease financial stress. Cut corners or look for a second income. A few altera- tions to your lifestyle will be helpful, as will discipline and common sense. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your commitment to home, family and friends will result in popularity and opportunity. Don't be afraid to do things dif- ferently. Be true to your beliefs and to those you love. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — A pick-me-up will do you good. Buy a new outfit or do some- thing that makes you happy. Enjoy being with people who make you laugh. Romance is encouraged. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Concentrate on ways you can make your home and personal relationships better. Share your concerns and your ideas, and be willing to compromise in order to keep the peace. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't take on too much or suggest that you can do the impossible. Being honest and helpful will be a winning combi- nation. Balance and moderation will lead to victory. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — A reunion or reconnec- tion with someone you haven't seen for a long time will lead to unexpected suggestions that will help you move forward with a stagnant situation. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Re-evaluate your current position and consider what you would like to do next. Put together a proposal or to-do list that will encourage you to start something new. Horoscope By Eugenia Last SATURDAY, FEB. 27 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 6 B