Anxiety with a career change

[Maddy10]

Hi guys,

Let’s say I have had a pretty crappy year this year, I have been suffering from a lot of health issues I was diagnosed with glandular fever, a autoimmune disease and being diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder. Also having to deal with my mother going through cancer while living interstate and my partner being away for work most of the year (he is in defence).

My anxiety has unfortunately left me to resigned from my job as a flight attendant. Resigning from my job has been my choice as I just don’t think it’s for me anymore. The job has caused me so many anxiety and health issues. It is so unpredictable and there is absolutely no work life balance whatsoever.

I am now enrolled into tafe and studying my cert III in individual support (ageing), I am very exited for this career change as I believe I would suit this job better as I really do love helping and empowing the elderly. I eventually want to be a nurse so I thought this would be a great stepping stone.

I don’t have a casual job lined up yet so I do have to find something before tafe as I don’t think I could study full time with being unemployed. I am also a qualified hairdresser but I have been out of the industry for a while now about 3 years so the thought of going back to hairdressing makes me anxious. Because I’m scared I have lost all of skills in hairdressing.

Of course my anxiety is doubting everything in my life at the moment, I am absolutely terrified to resign from my full time job and go to studying full time while living on a casual wage. I just really hope I am making the right decision. And not a stupid one.

I just want to know if anyone hasn’t been in a similar situation before where you hated your job and decided to try something completely different? And it was all a success!!

I really hope I’ll evetually find happiness and do something I’m really passionate about.

anything would be supportive!

Thanks for listening I really appreciate it 🙂

Maddy,

[Alexisme94]

Hey, I haven't been in the same situation but I think you're doing the right thing. If your job is causing you that much angst and is impacting your health that badly it's better for you to leave.

Perhaps before you quit it full time, ask if you could have your hours reduced? And do the job part-time whilst getting through Tafe (if you feel you can). Maybe don't throw yourself back into hair-dressing but look to be an assistant or something first? Start small and work up. And, perhaps, chat with your partner or people around you and work out living costs to make sure you can live on a casual wage comfortably as well.

Wishing you the best! Good luck ❤️

[CoraC]

Hi Maddy10

good on you for taking steps to protect your own well-being in the work setting. It is not easy. I have worked in aged care, in my case not directly with residents but in corporate roles, and it can be very rewarding.

when I read your post I thought of something- there was a hairdresser within the facility I worked with, they were great at their job and the residents really enjoyed their hairdresser appointments. Perhaps this could be a way to potentially merge your skills and interests?

all the best with your studies.