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Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 9:04 am AEDT

Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hi All,

When do you know that it's time to change a job? How do you know that the job is not making you feel any better? Can you actually decide that wile still being unwell?

I'm a bit in a mess when it comes to work and I just don't know what to do.

9 replies

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In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 9:20 am AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hi @Former-Member,

i can't answer that at all for a whole heap of reasons (one being I don't have much of a work history) but I wanted to share something that I know about you. When you first started on the forum your job was really important to you, you enjoyed it and were good at it. I know things have changed so much for you. I don't know what the future holds for you with work but I guess while things are still really difficult it's hard to see what might be. Maybe the experience of being so unwell for a while has changed your values, I think that happens a lot. Maybe you will get back to feeling more like you over time and your job will become easier, more manageable and enjoyable again. From memory I know some of your work relationships have changed too making it more difficult. I think it would be worth considering the stress changing jobs might have as well and that affect on your mental health. Perhaps you could flag some of this on career Friday. I just noticed there is one on this Friday. I'm sorry I'm not more helpful but I think I just wanted to say that I think it would be worth spending some time milling over and seeking help with........which is probably what you are doing by starting this discussion. 😊💜🤗💐

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 10:02 am AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hi @Former-Member

Thank you so much for your lovely message and for reminding me of how much I loved my job.

I have changed over time and I think my biggest barrier will be that I will always have to look after myself first and I don't know if that will ever suit the job & the industry I am in. I am not prepared anymore to start work at any time in the morning or early morning and work at 150%. I have learnt how important routine is for me. I just don't know.

But I appreciate what you say about moving jobs, I agree that would probably make things even more difficult.

How are you? Take care xoxo

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 10:10 am AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

I think that's really important @Former-Member.....that you will always have to look after yourself and things like routine are important. Have you looked at other options for work? I'd imagine some industries are much harder than others to juggle MI.

My mental health is messy at the moment too. I've been all over the place and struggling for any stability. Just stringing two good days together seems a feat but I know I don't have to tell you this. I know you live it too.

Know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best with it. Sending hugs 💜🤗

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 5:02 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Good question @Former-Member - I've always thought it's a matter of whether you're finding the work interesting/fulfilling/tolerable, or whether it fits in with your life at the moment and how much stress you can manage, but I guess sometimes financial pressures can also limit your choices as well... I guess it's hard to get a clear view of whether a job is "working" for you (no pun intended!) when you're not travelling so well yourself. I wonder what others think? @utopia, @Shaz51, @Former-Member, @BlueBay???

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

utopiaSenior Contributor07 Mar 2017, 5:49 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hi @Former-Member. Prior to my workplace injury - Iabsolutely loved my job. Loved the people I worked alongside. And loved the clients we worked with. I was good at my job. And I knew I was an important part of the company.
Post injury - things are very different. I don't feel safe working for a company that didn't protect me from harm. So I am lo longer employed.
Although I am no longer able to do my old job - I can work. My psychologist and I have discussed this in detail. The importance of finding the right workplace. For me that means pt work. A single boss - not a hirachy of managers - a place where I am away from 'dangerous' people.
Can you think of what your ideal workplace would be like? Your ideal job?
Would working standard 9 - 5 suit you. Do you need less or more responsibility. Do you want to work in a team or do you need to work on your own?
Is there flexibility at your current work, to reduce your hours?

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 6:28 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

I went though the same thing last year.

I was very unwell and working part time. I use to love my job and was very good at it. But I never ever received a thank you. The people I worked with where toxic. I was use to them being toxic and could generally just laugh at them and stand up for myself and marjority of the time the toxic people got fired because the big bosses even though toxic knew my integrity and that I was really good at the job. But in my sickest stage I found it really hard to work and would SH every day at work just to get through. To me working is my identity.

At the same time I was offered a full time job at a different place. I was so scared going from part time in a place where I knew everyone and knew how each person worked and who was mean and how to ward them off. But the job I was offered (didn't apply) was my dream job. So I talked to my husband and he said just try it. You will regret it if you don't and if you can't handle it that's fine just get another part time job.

Well it was the best decision I've ever made. I don't go to work dreading it. I actualy now laugh at work. I've made good friends. I get thank you for the job I do which I still feel is weird and I'm like hello I'm paid to do this. I'm also know being challenged. This job I can move up the ladder and learn new things. My mind is being used for good.

The new job has not at all helped with my deppresion but it has just put me in a positive inviorment as I now feel alive at work and that I'm slightly worth something.

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

BlueBaySenior Contributor07 Mar 2017, 6:31 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hey @Former-Member @Former-Member

This is my exact same question just this week!!!

I am now not sure what to do. I was thinking of going back to admin and leave pharmacy, but i am not sure if i can cope with the extra pressure and responsibilities of admin work. I've done admin work before and the pay is much much more than pharmacy but i don't know if i can handle it.

I actually spoke with my new psyuchologist just this afternoon about this and she replied "why would you want to leave a job at the moment, where you have so much changes and stress in your life"; "you will be creating more stress by looking for another job, interview etc etc.

She made me think - maybe for now while I sort out all these stressors and changes happening in my life I stay where i am familiar even though it's not the best paid job. But my job is only 5 mins drive down the road; i love the customers and most of the staff. It's just the finances are always a struggle. So i have to weigh up the pros and cons.

It is hard to decide what to do when not feeling so well.

I don't know what to say to help you @Former-Member, just maybe write down a pros and cons list and see how that looks.

Good luck my friend xxoo

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Unknown userMember07 Mar 2017, 9:19 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

Hi All

Thank you for all your responses and insights.

@utopia I will only respond to your email tonight, as I am getting close to my bedtime. So if I'm dreaming of my dream job:

I would love to be outside more
I would love to be able to bring a dog
I would love to work for a small company or start up
I would like to make a difference
I would love to spent time alone, thinking
I would love to work in a team
I would like to laugh and joke
I would like to be appreciated
I would like realistic expectations
I would like to work normal work hours
I would like to work closer to home
I would like to be accepted as I am

I don't like company politics
I don't like red tape
I don't like being a number
I don't like fake people
I don't like people that only think of themselves
I don't like trying to fit into a stereotype

I'm a bit of a nerd, but I'm also really good at leading people and I progressed into management quite easily. I am not sure if that is where I belong. But it definitely pays the bills.

I worked really hard to get where I am and I do think about whether this is just a phase of me going through my mental health issues and also we've had a lot of changes at work. Perhaps my enthusiasm (and it rears its head at times!) will return once everything settles.

In response to: Changing jobs? When do you know...

utopiaSenior Contributor07 Mar 2017, 9:42 pm AEDT

Re: Changing jobs? When do you know...

@Former-Member. They are very clear 'would likes' & 'don't likes'. That's a fantastic list & is the beginning of finding that right job for you.
You any good with horses, dogs, other animals? You are obviously great with people. I wonder about a position with a company that provides support to those in need. Eg- employment, disability, counseling, financial aid, etc. Not necessarily in a carer role - still in management.
Helping to set up policy and procedures and training of staff - staff in that caring sector - where their emphasis is on 'client' support and well being.
I wonder with the new disability scheme the Government is slowly introducing - will create a range of new businesses - outdoor activities, animal care, etc. These firms would need someone to help with their start up.
I'm sure you already have some ideas.
I love your list. Keep expanding and exploring companies that are out there in fields that you would find interesting to work in & supportive of staff.

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