Taking time away from working due to anxiety

[CoraC]

I'm at the point where I feel I will need to quit my job to get my mental health into a better place. Has anyone been through this? How did you explain work gaps on your cv and just leaving a job with nothing to go to?

im scared to leave but I'm mire scared to stay. I've tried various options to make it work where I am but it's become impossible. I work about 70 hours per week, I'm exhausted.

[Gambit87]

Hi CoraC,

I haven't been through this, but I pretty much feel the same way you do!

My job affects my mental health and I really really want to quit but I hit 10 years in 36 days! so im hanging in there for long service leave! Once im on LSL im going to take a long holiday (don't know where though since this coronavirus is everywhere haha) im going to look for another job and quit! or just quit and find some part time work.

My partner quit her job around 6 months ago and until shes ready to find another job in her field she's been volunteering! Shes doing this for something to do but also to keep the gaps on her CV to a minimum. Perhaps this is something you could look into?

[CoraC]

Enjoy your LsL. I think it helps to know There is a break coming.

volunteering is a good idea. Thanks for that thought.

all the best

[smallwolf]

I have not been through what you are asking - I work in a small organisation that needed me so they have worked around it. With that said I know of some people who for different reasons leave jobs to do something else. I don't know anything about job or your anxiety and I would think that if your workplace contributed to your issues you might say something like "it was a bad environment because of ..."

the other thing is - does anyone at work know what you are going through? perhaps they might be able to find a way to reduce the pressures you are feeling?

when things went south for me, both my parents and psychologist told/suggested I needed to tell the people at work what was happening. I did that, and nothing bad happened.

on the volunteering... that is also good because it shows you are also a giving person, back to the community and care about other things as well.

I would ask you about what distraction and coping tools you have, but that can wait for a latter conversation.

Tim

[Step_Twelve]

Hi CoraC,

This is a tough one when money becomes an issue! I think 70 hours a week is excessive and generally unhealthy for anyone. I know it's easy to just say, "find a less demanding job" but the reality is harder. I hope you can find something that doesn't cause you to burn out.

Perhaps you do need a break, but I'd recommend having a recovery plan in place so that you know how you're going to spend your time. I say this because when I took a break from work for several months it eventually made my anxiety worse. Basically, I had more time to ruminate, more opportunities to isolate myself, and more opportunities to indulge in bad habits. I've now realised that keeping busy is essential for me (not necessarily with work, it could be anything).

Best of luck!

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