Employment Troubles

[Rowantrek]

Hi all,

So I live with a fairly nasty dose of GAD intertwined with a panic disorder (fun right?). I graduated high school in 2019 and spent late 2019 and early 2020 working in Live Events Industry.

Due to Covid, I haven't had any regular work since then. I can happily say that I am reaching a point in my treatment where I need to re-enter the workforce, but I have had some troubles with that. Whenever, I apply for a position, I get very stressed and anxious, about being trapped/committed to working with a company, regular hours, etc. Most of the previous year I have spent at home watching TV or Gaming, to keep myself entertained.

On top of this, I have a couple of promising opportunities of full time work with some really understanding and caring employers, in an industry I enjoy and have a passion for. This bring another level of stress of the mere thought of having full time work.

If anyone would have any advice on how to adapt to this situation, I would appreciate it greatly.

Cheers,

Rowan

[Gabs_]

Hi Rowan,

Well, if it makes you feel like you have a friend here, I can super relate as I also have GAD and Panic Disorder. So I can completely understand how much "fun" you are having.

Firstly, I am so glad to hear that you feel like you are in a place to be able to recommence work. That's a really positive step in your recovery.

I completely hear what you are saying - and can be daunting and overwhelming when you have had time off and you are about to jump back in the deep end. I wonder if there is an opportunity for maybe you to consider doing some volunteer work to dip your toe in (nothing fulltime, just maybe a few hours a week), and then consider moving into part-time work? That way you are having a more slow and steady approach to getting back into the workforce, as opposed to just overloading yourself (which might be fuelling the stress and anxiety). Doing a few hours a week or part-time work will also allow you to have some rest time to help you take time out in between each week.

I resigned from a quite intense corporate role after I ended up in hospital, and I am still yet to go back to full-time work. You don't have to jump back in, you can take it at your own pace. Me, myself, I now spend my time between volunteering, sitting on a few boards and committees (which only sit once a month/quarter), and studying. That way, if/when I start feeling overwhelmed, I have days for rest and to recharge my batteries, and I can also pull back from my commitments if it gets too much without having to feel guilt or responsibility to an employer.

With the great opportunities, there are a few ways to approach it:

1. Know that opportunities come and go, and put your health as a priority. Maybe when you are ready to go back full-time, something else amazing will come up.
2. You could flag with these companies that you are not looking for a role now, but if they could keep you in mind for future opportunities.
3. Could you ask for these companies if they'd consider taking you on a casual, part-time contract?

You don't have to tell them exactly what is going on, but you could simply state you have some health issues that are taking priority and that you need to focus on, but would they consider option 2 or 3?

That's how I would approach it anyway. I hope that helps.

Here if you want to chat more about it,

G