Cover image courtesy of Joan Faras
When the day is done, the last box is mucked, the last rug is on, the last foal has been treated and we get to go home. Who is on your ‘night watch’? Who takes care of you?
Is there ever really a quiet season, or is it just a change of season... How do we recharge when we are tired? How do we ask for a break when we are exhausted? Who is doing your ‘night watch’ to make sure you are okay?
Our industry is all-consuming, calling on us at ridiculous hours in the dark and every minute of the daylight. We do it because we are passionate, because we care, because we love it. But we must have someone to cover our ‘night watch’.
Night watch | Image courtesy of Shadow Hill Thoroughbreds
Do we take care of each other? Do we check up on each other? Do we reach out when we are struggling? Do we even know that we can?
Maybe it's time for a change in our industry. Time to talk about what happens behind the scenes. The weeks we spend away from homes and families when we are at the sales. The long days spent on the tracks and in the truck. The sun and the dust as we muck out yards and boxes in the summer heat.
Some days you feel so unappreciated, and then some days are like a dream come true.
But who is there to do the night watch? When you cry yourself to sleep because you are just so exhausted and feel you are going nowhere. When you can't wait to get home after the sales because you're tired of the pretend personality. When on a bad day you still beat yourself up about that one special horse that you lost. And when you realise you have spent so long trying to please your manager that you have forgotten who you really are.
No one should ever feel alone. And no job is worth more than your happiness.
Night Watch | Image courtesy of Renate du Plessis
It's been a heartbreaking week for those of us who have lost someone we knew. And I’m sure many of us were taken by surprise. But now is a time to reach out to one another. Keep in touch more often. Talk about real stuff. And encourage each other to seek help whenever you need it.
A true reflection of one's strength is how much they value themselves.
It is not a weakness to ask for help; you are strong for calling out.
You are not a failure if you feel you need to take a break; you are strong for making yourself a priority.
For those of us that are working long hours - make sure you have someone cover your ‘night watch’.
For those of us that care more about our jobs than our healthy life-balance - make sure you have someone cover your ‘night watch’.
For those of us that pour our heart, soul and lives into the horses - make sure you have someone to cover your ‘night watch’.
Night watch | Image courtesy of Rheinwood Pastoral
Sometimes the biggest smiles hide the darkest hearts.
Sometimes the loudest laughs cover the softest cries.
‘Don’t accept the things you cannot change, but change the things you cannot accept.’
Reach out if you are not okay. Check up on each other. Ask for help if you need it.
Night Watch Wanted - totally flexible, must be willing to work after hours, duties include phone calling and emailing. No experience necessary. A very rewarding role. IMMEDIATE start is required!
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