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New job, scared

DothemoSenior Contributor03 Apr 2017, 10:38 am AEST

New job, scared

Hi Saneforums,

I just got a casual Lab job and I'm worried that I may not be able to cope with the mornings. I'm going to give it a damn good shot but as above, functioning in the mornings is hard for me. Just worried about flaking out and letting them down. Has anyone else returned to work after a year+ absence? Thank you

8 replies

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In response to: New job, scared

Unknown userMember03 Apr 2017, 12:53 pm AEST

Re: New job, scared

I went from a casual job I've been at years and got to make up my own hours to a full time job. I take sleeping pills every night otherwise I would never sleep so I can find morning very hard as I'm groggy and just hate mornings. One thing I did to help this is change my routine. I go to be early now. I lay out my clothing for the next day. I just do anything to make mornings more simple. Since doing that I'm still hating mornings but I can fake like them and work it.

I personally think your getting out there back into the work field your going to be great. It's normal to be scared about a new job regardless if you have a mental health issue or not.

When you walk in on the first day just take a big breath and go it's show time! You will be fine

In response to: New job, scared

SpookytookimsSenior Contributor03 Apr 2017, 2:30 pm AEST

Re: New job, scared

@Dothemo That's great you got it. Last I heard you were going for the interview. They wouldn't have given you the job if you didn't present well. I think you just need to believe in yourself 🙂 You are very astute and quite able, they saw that in you too I bet.

Really happy you got the job, Gratz. Just focus on what you know, don't be too hard on yourself and ask when you are unsure. Easy! . deep breaths and focus when you start to doubt 😉 *fingers crossed* for you.

In response to: Re: New job, scared

Unknown userMember03 Apr 2017, 3:45 pm AEST

Re: New job, scared

congrats on getting the job @Dothemo thats fantastic!!

In response to: Re: New job, scared

Change123Senior Contributor03 Apr 2017, 4:08 pm AEST

Re: New job, scared

Hi @Dothemo

I had a year off (about 5 years ago) when I was being diagnosed with BPD. I have to say I was terrified to go back but after the first few days it was like riding a bike and my confidence returned quickly.

To be honest I feel working makes me mentally healthier, it keeps me in a routine, it gives me a reason to get up and not let anxiety and depression take over. (unless I let it)

You will be fine, dont question yourself just go and ask as said before if you are unsure. As a HR manager I know the first day is the worst, you dont know the people, you dont know the culture, but it all falls into place pretty quickly. Also think of it as a new beginning, no one knows you or your MI, its like a clean slate!

Goodluck

In response to: New job, scared

utopiaSenior Contributor04 Apr 2017, 12:58 am AEST

Re: New job, scared

@Dothemo. Congratulations on your new job. @Former-Member has some fantastic ideas to help you be ready in the mornings. By having things prepared the night before.
You still may not be the 'best' in the mornings -bbut having things ready to go, will make your day start off on the right foot.
Deep breath. Shoulders back. You can do this.
♥♥

In response to: New job, scared

DothemoSenior Contributor07 Apr 2017, 9:08 am AEST

Re: New job, scared

Hi @Former-Member,

I really like those suggestions thankyou! I did the deep breath thing, I just thought to myself that I need to be a man and get in there and do my job! I have been getting up really early in case I need time to have a flake out and to be on time. In my experience lateness just makes everything worse so I avoid it.

Hi @Spookytookims,

Thankyou so much for the kind words! I think I do need to improve self confidence in the workplace. I've worked 3 shifts so far and they've gone well, fingers crossed that I can keep it up. Mind you I've had some SSRI withdrawal symptoms (doctor wants to change it), some strange dizziness but I just breathe and it goes away. Also I've found eating a proper breakfast is important or I get the shakes by about 11:30 if I don't eat properly ,luckily it's a dairy factory lab so I can just duck outside and wolf a bottle of milk which makes my hands steady again 🙂

Hi @Former-Member thanks so much!!!

Hi @Change123,

I'm really glad that your return to work went smoothly 🙂 thank you, you are very right - I've done 3 shifts and it is somewhat therapeutic. And yes, no-one knows about my mental illness and I really like it that way as there's no stigma. Cheers!

Hi @utopia,

Thankyou kindly 🙂 I have been taking the morning advice and so far so good (knock on wood!) Just gotta keep it up...

In response to: New job, scared

Unknown userMember07 Apr 2017, 9:13 am AEST

Re: New job, scared

Great work!!! @Dothemo
So happy for you

In response to: New job, scared

utopiaSenior Contributor07 Apr 2017, 12:52 pm AEST

Re: New job, scared

Fantastic effort @Dothemo. 3 shifts down. Lots to come. I think it can be great to start fresh at a new job with no one knowing about your health.
Soundslik you have worked out whwhat's best for you. Breakfast. Extra time in the morning. Etc.
I'm so pleased for you that it's working out.

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