Confused and anxious about what to do next in life!

[Loststriver]

Hello all and thank you for reading my post.

My current work situation is not going well at all. I'm a casual at a hospital, and was recently advised that there is no opportunity for me to progress into a full time position. I was hired off my work placement one year ago at the end of completing the course, and I've put in so much time and effort into proving myself. The whole time I've been there, it's been so confusing and stressful because of all the misleading information and poor management, I really can't cope anymore. I just feel as if all this was a complete waste of time and energy, as I thought I was making a positive change by trying something new in life.

They have also announced staff cuts and hours which has applied to me. I've tried so hard in this role by learning as much as I can. Accepting majority of shifts given (despite the ridiculous hours I would sometimes work, with lack of sleep) I've never complained or did anything wrong as far as I know.

My mental health is not very well at the moment due to being forced to basically find other employment asap. Everything is overwhelming and I'm not coping all too well. I need to leave that position, but confused about what to do next. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Loststriver,

Great to see you reaching out here for support on the beyondblue forum. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with your mental health in relation to having uncertainty in your employment. This can be very stressful especially after putting a lot of hard work in to your role. As you are at the hospital I wonder if you could make an appointment with the human resources manager to see if there are other positions in the hospital (perhaps another area) that you could get trained up and moved over to? Another suggestion I have is to access your employers Employee Assistance Program and use some of the sessions you are entitled to have to explore your situation with one of the counsellors there. This can be really helpful ( I have used them myself) and they can be a sounding board for you to talk about what your goals are and help you formulate a plan to go forward in achieving your goals.

There are many times in life that we are dealing with stressful circumstances that are beyond our control and this can be really frustrating. Getting a bit of support to help you through this period will be helpful for you now, and in future scenarios where things don't work out as they should.

Seeking employment is tough and sometimes an interim job can help get you to the right position. There are many employment agencies that can make job seeking a bit easier especially when you are having such a difficult time. I also wonder if you skill is something that would be sought after in other hospitals in your area?

I wish you the best of luck seeking future employment but recommend to get some support with your mental health while you are job seeking. If you are not comfortable seeking support from an employee support service, then visit your GP and they will be able to advise of you some support options in your area.

You are not alone. You can always talk to the beyond blue support line on 1300 22 4636 to vent some of your frustrations. This can be helpful in those difficult moments.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn