topic Job anxiety in Anxiety

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 00:55:58 GMT

Hello everyone

after a period off work due to anxiety and depression I’m trying to get back into the workforce. Does anyone else have any ideas on how to lessen the anxiety around this? I’m terrified of rejection, terrified of getting a job, and terrified I won’t be able to perform. Despite all this I used to be a solid worker. Not sure if I will ever be again.

Job anxiety

quirkywords — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 03:17:18 GMT

Hello Ulysses,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for communicating your story.

It is hard getting back into the workforce after time off. I assume you are going to a new job not your old one.

I am wondering if you can take it in small steps. Is it possible to do some voluntary work to help with your confidence.

I am sure you will be a solid worker it takes time and you need to be kind to yourself and to have a plan that ensures you will be able to cope .

There are threads here on the forum that may be able to help you well.

Quirky

Job anxiety

Restart321 — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:13:01 GMT

Hi, I too are in the same boat, my work was stress full and management was bad, so I applied for a new job with a new company and end up getting that. After handing my resignation I hit a brick wall with lots and long panic attacks and anxiety. I did one day at my new job and come home and couldn't do it any more. Felt like a wasn't good enough. So now I am not working. I need to work and this is hard, but all I can say is restart, start from the bottom and work to the top again. Think of it as this..if you could re-do something in your life what would it be? For me is not to take things so personally at work and be thankful for the income, and be myself. So I am going to go back to work and learn from my mistakes. We cant go back in time, we can only learn and go forward. I hope things turn out the best for you and bless you with confidence.

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:26:16 GMT

Hi quirky. Thanks for your reply. Volunteering is a great idea. Hit my first hurdle. Have to pay for a working with kids check and not working, don’t want to use eighty dollars. But Im looking into other agencies. They might be better 🙂

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:29:23 GMT

Thanks restart321. It’s nice to know you’re not alone in this. I’m definitely starting from the bottom again, but I can’t seem to even find a job at minimum wage. I do know two others who started new positions and couldn’t continue. Hopefully we can get back into it one day.

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 04:30:53 GMT

Oh and my job was stressful and mismanaged too. It’s certainly not a healthy environment to be in

Job anxiety

timeistheenemy — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:19:09 GMT

I was settled into my last job, car accident leaving work led to injury so I had to quit, couldn't work for a couple years and by then I was too far gone. Have recently started working again but have crippling social anxiety and severe adjustment disorder amongst other things so new things and change really take a toll. Just know that there is something that will fit you, just dont stop trying even if its just looking at jobs without applying - one day you'll feel different and you'll hit that apply button. Just don't get caught up like I did, wasted 5 years of my life feeling worthless and scared.

Peace

Job anxiety

Quercus — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 00:25:34 GMT

Hi Ulysses,

I saw it mentioned somewhere that a working with children check is free if required in a volunteer role. Not sure if that is accurate but it might be worth asking at the post office for them to clarify.

I feel for you in this situation. I quit my gov job of 7 years and although I am happier and don't regret it my confidence in my ability to cope is gone. The advice so far is solid. If you don't apply you'll never know.

What helped me was taking it as an opportunity to look at what I want to do. Work is important to our mental wellbeing so why would I waste my time in another job that makes me feel crap?

I was blunt in my applications. Disclosed my MI. Discussed it and my management openly and without apology. This is me. I have problems but I manage them. I have a lot to offer. I have skills you can use. I can benefit you. But I will not apologise for having a mental illness. So if you can't deal with that I'm not interested. Obviously not worded so aggressively in the applications.

Hubby called it self sabotage and was angry at me. And yesterday I had an interview at a school. The first job I applied for. They were wonderful. Because I talked she told me about her husband's suicidal thoughts, another staff member who is dealing with grief... Basically accepted that we are human. And that MI needs to be managed in the workplace because it is no different than a physical illness.

I have a job. Yes it is a big change from my old role. But I am happy. And hopeful. Hubby was stunned. He expected the worst of people. I demanded the best.

I share this with you because there is hope. The more we demand to be treated properly the more things change. The more we talk about MI as a health issue and own it as a medical condition we manage the more people respect that we are in control. This means thinking about ways to manage your anxiety. Finding jobs that will minimise your triggers. Being proactive in caring for yourself. Learning and understanding why you are the way you are and finding warning signs and acting on them.

If you look around the forums you'll see I am not in a good place now. This is not me talking on my high horse "oh I'm better you should do this...". This is me feeling like dirt. At bottom. Not caring/ a bit numb but choosing to live however I can.

You've got this butterfly (love your name by the way). If you go to your log in page there is an option to change your pic if you want some colour 😊.

Nat

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:22:00 GMT

Thanks peace. I’ve been applying for around ten a week. Not one hit so far.

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Thu, 16 Nov 2017 00:24:55 GMT

Fantastic reply Nat. I should get that 🦋 up. It’s exactly what I was thinking of when I used the name. So happy for your job. We’re not alone in our struggle.

Job anxiety

fringelily — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 04:06:27 GMT

Hi Ulysses,

I have not worked for 16 years, being a stay at home mum. I also have struggled anxiety & depression for many years, but have still managed to hold down a job in the past. Like you, I was/am worried that I can still work successfully.

When I decided to start applying for jobs, I was terrified. Just typing up job application letters and sending them off caused an enormous amount of anxiety, and I found myself hoping I wouldn't get an interview! I have applied for hundreds of positions, hardly ever got a response and was starting to relax and think I was safe, and wouldn't have to face an interview.

Then - wham - out of the blue I got a phone interview. I was so nervous I couldn't think straight and stuffed up the answers to perfectly reasonable questions. I was really hard on myself, but finally realised I have to put this down to a learning experience, and try to do better next time. I practiced interview questions with my husband, and also practiced answering imaginary questions out loud when no one was around. I got two face-to-face interviews. The first one I was shaking, sweating and my voice kept drying up. (I nearly turned around and drove home the minute I arrived in the car park). They were very nice but I didn't get the job. The next job interview I attended I felt a bit more in control, still nervous, but I paced myself, took time to consider my answers, and felt it didn't go too badly. I didn't get the job, but got good email feedback, which boosted my confidence.

I actually applied to a job I didn't want, in the hopes of getting an interview, just for the interview experience. I did get an interview - it was a group interview(!) - but because I didn't want the position, I was able to relax and just focus on feeling comfortable with the situation, so I could draw on this in future interviews.

The next job interview, again I was very nervous and think it showed, but I actually got offered the job! I start next week. I am extremely anxious, and feeling that I won't be able to cope, but trying to work my way through it.

So after that ramble, I guess I'm trying to be supportive and say that "you can definitely do it".

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 01:34:32 GMT

Well done and thank you. You give me hope

Job anxiety

quirkywords — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 02:09:03 GMT

Fringelily,

What a lovely honest and inspiring post.

I am sure you have helped many people as well as Ulysses with your detailed account of how you felt and what you did on the journey to get back into the work force.

It seems so hard especially when one has been out of the work force for a while, so it is reassuring for people to hear what you did and how you felt.

I liked the idea of going for a job you did not want to get the experience.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences.

Quirky

Job anxiety

fringelily — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:34:41 GMT

I'm glad I helped 🙂

Job anxiety

fringelily — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 11:35:56 GMT

Thank you Quirky 🙂

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 04:44:23 GMT

Blow me down! Got through to the second interview today! It’s a job made just for me. Pays peanuts but just thee thought of having a purpose has decreased my depression and anxiety a hundred fold. Thanks for all your support and hope I get the job

Job anxiety

fringelily — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 04:40:49 GMT

Well Done!! Fantastic news getting through to a second interview. Fingers crossed for you that you get the job 🙂

Job anxiety

Ulysses — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 05:16:08 GMT

Thank you 🙂