Quick "Does anyone else..." check - Sunday Night Blues

[drwex]

Recently I've discovered that two of my friends also suffer from what one of them called the "Sunday Night Blues". This is something I've had for years but haven't heard anyone else talk about before. What makes this interesting is that all three of us like our jobs. I can understand being down on a Sunday night if you're contemplating going into a work you dislike, but I've not heard of other people having the blues over a work environment they enjoy.

Pygment had the insight that all three of us feel fairly stressed in our jobs - not necessarily in a bad way but it's definitely pressure. And the SNB may be our subconscious reactions to contemplating going into that high stress environment.

Comments invited from the assembled or anonymous readership.

Comments

[wolfkitn.livejournal.com]

okay, here's a thought: i think it has to do with the idea that even if you like your job, it's still something to which you're responsible. it's not free will to be there; you -have- to be there; and you -have- to do whatever you're doing, even if it's enjoyable. i've often wondered, for example: if i were paid to dance and had to show up at specified times and places and do specified things, would i enjoy it nearly so much? doubtful.

[taura-g.livejournal.com]

This may very well be part of it for me. Though I have often been in work environments I enjoy, I still have SNB and the feeling of responsibility associated with work could very well be causing the problem. I don't necessarily want to be responsible. There are too many other things in this world that I would like to do that being bogged down by work is...well... too much work.

Filter Out the Obvious

[feste-sylvain.livejournal.com]

Make certain this isn't the cause:

If you consume caffeine during the week, but significantly less on the weekend, your body will be withdrawing (and lowering your tolerance). One of the withdrawl symptoms is a mild depression (and irritability).

Re: Filter Out the Obvious

[drwex]

I hsve thought of the caffeine connection and I think I've ruled that out but I'll do some more careful checking.

Re: Filter Out the Obvious

[taura-g.livejournal.com]

I know this isn't the cause because there are extended periods (months even) where I have gone without caffeine completely and still had this problem.

Sundays

[edichka2.livejournal.com]

My mother has always been particularly down on Sundays, she's noticed, and I often am too. I think it has to do with how I organize my expectations around weekends. Weekends are supposed to be the fun time off, and even if it's been a good weekend, it's winding down by Sunday. So there's a fun's-coming-to-an-end kinda blues.

- Eddie

Re: Sundays

[drwex]

Yes, there's definitely an "end to fun" aspect to it. I've been known to stay up late(r than I should) just because I don't want the day to end, but that doesn't seem particular to Sundays