Nina, your dream about working at the Kid Zone as a teacher again, especially in the context of a dangerous takeover by a cartel or street gang, is quite telling. The presence of your co-workers and boss Caren in this surreal and threatening environment suggests a deep connection to your past experiences in the workplace, mixed with a sense of vulnerability and danger. The overlap of the Kid Zone you attended as a child and the one you worked at as an adult indicates a blending of past and present, a common feature in dreams where unresolved emotions and memories intertwine.
The fact that the school is open at night or operates 24 hours, coupled with the eerie and weird occurrences, reflects a disruption in the normal order of things. This could symbolize your own internal chaos or anxieties, particularly those related to safety, control, and the unknown. The night setting often represents our subconscious fears and the parts of our psyche that we don't confront during the day.
Your desperation to find a way to get off work earlier, specifically at 5am instead of the later hours, highlights a feeling of entrapment and exhaustion. It suggests that you are seeking an escape from a situation that feels overwhelming and never-ending. This could mirror your waking life where you might feel overworked or stressed, constantly seeking relief and rest.
The recurring theme of forgetting to clock in and out, resulting in unpaid wages, signifies a sense of being undervalued and overlooked. It might represent your worries about not receiving recognition or compensation for your efforts, both in your professional and personal life. Interestingly, despite the significant financial implications in the dream, you mention that being paid doesn't seem to matter to you. This indicates a deeper longing for something beyond monetary rewards, perhaps a need for acknowledgment, purpose, or emotional connection.
Lastly, your sense of obligation to Caren and your old co-workers, despite the lack of concern for financial remuneration, points to a strong sense of loyalty and nostalgia. This could suggest that you miss the camaraderie and the environment of your past workplace, even if it was fraught with challenges.