Anxiety with career and being unsure

[R-claire]

I ah e always been an extremely driven and motivated person when it comes to my career. Ive come from retail management and over the past 2 years left retail due to covid and got in DES I was there for 9 months then a role come up in recruiting. I have been there for 2 months but due to my mental health being so incredibly bad I am wanting to move to the GC to mend my soul and find me again (I have family there and friends) I use to be scared but now it’s exciting. However I don’t want to leave my job and start again. I’m 26 and my resume looks so bad like I can’t hold a job 😞 I’m so lost and having panic attacks. Any advice?!

[Guest_7403]

Spin it as a positive, you like to challenge yourself, pursue goals and learn.

Always looking to better yourself and that's why you move on, up skilling for better opportunities.

[Richfeelinglow]

Hey there. I think you’ve got a lot of opportunity here. You’re 26 and have plenty of career ahead of you. If you move to the GC and undertake the mend, there’s every chance you’ll be in a better space mentally and that job or opportunity will arrive. Best to trust yourself on this because if you’re anxious about a job two months in it’s probably a sign. Anyway best of luck with it. You’ve got this.

[missep123]

Hi R-claire,

I hear you. I was also worried about my resume after being in a workplace for 2 weeks before COVID hit and we had to be stood down, then getting another job a few months later and only lasting 2 weeks because of really bad training and burnt out co-workers. Prior to this I've always held jobs for 2-5 years.

From personal experience, you can spin it as a positive but also it's an opportunity to be honest to your employers and they can see where you are coming from. Especially with COVID it has really uprooted so many aspects of stability!

Please keep us updated! I really do wish you all the best of luck.

[Gabs_]

Hi R-Claire,

I completely understand how daunting it can feel, but please try and give yourself a little slack. You're 26 - you have a whole life in front of you. And like missep123 said, COVID has made A LOT of people reassess their careers and question whether they are really enjoying the work they're doing. So, if you are being asked the "why are you changing" question - you simply state that COVID gave you the time and perspective to assess your values and what you are seeking to give back in a career. Nothing more than that.

Trust me - I'm 36 and I have recently left a high paying Director role....to go back and study. So I understand being driven and wanting to achieve, but ultimately, you have to do right by you and your mental health. I was utterly burnout from my job and when my mental health took a hit earlier this year, my mental health team and partner and family said "stop - put your health first". So, I did. And even though quitting was scary, I am so much happier in my heart.

Careers are not linear. They go up, down, sideways... Trust me - as someone who has recruited hundreds of people in my career, I'm not looking for someone who has spent their entire career at one or two places - I want someone with diversity of thought, who challenges the status quo and wants to find a job that they are passionate about. And any company that wants you to have worked at one place your whole life...they are not the place you want to work at.

Believe in yourself and do what makes you happy.

G

[UltimaMic]

When we get anxious it is easy to panic / mind racing. I hope you first apply some breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques before you then make some life goals and decisions. From your post I was not sure if you were scared and excited for your current role or the idea to move back to the GC? If it was the former then I would advise you to allow yourself some time to grow in the role and whilst doing so hopefully be able to talk to an understanding manager or HR about the mental health challenges you are facing at the moment. (Trust me many people are facing these challenges- especially during COVID). If it was the latter (move to GC) then try to understand why you want to move back (to be closer to friends and family) a support base which is usually pretty good as a natural support to help us when we might be overwhelmed.

But also recognize the skills that you do have and that can transition to new roles readily - modern employers actually like flexibility in the workforce these days so take it as a strength. I think most employers are also aware of the impacts of Covid on the workforce and how changing it can be for employees.

Ultimately the career path decision is yours. I am 35 and have recently changed careers - I also have been very anxious about whether I would be making the right move but as I am currently studying again and seeking opportunities I feel it has been the right move. I did do a lot of research online about my new career path and what opportunities it might bring.

[R-claire]

Thank you very much for the response, has helped make me feel a bit more at ease. Appreciate it

[R-claire]

Thanks for the response I appreciate it. The role itself I am good at and career wise was a step up however I feel so anxious and uneasy in Melbourne. I have always lived here but for some reason my head and heart isn’t here and being in this job I feel trapped. I wish I could take it with me and remotely work for a while as I don’t want to start again so soon. It’s causing me so much unnecessary stress. I’m trying to see the positive however I’m learning a lot and am blessed to have it during challenging times

[R-claire]

Thank you so much for your reply

covid is giving me the options to cover my tracks; I think this is where my anxiety kicks in due to wanting to be in an amazing role as I’ve worked hard but my mental health has taken this biggest hit over the past 12 months and I’m exhausted and want to find some form of peace. Anxiety and caring what others may think is the hardest part and not letting myself and others down

[R-claire]

Thank you very much I wish you all the luck as well. It’s tough times in general and anxiety doesn’t help hey!