Medical redundancy.

[Xavius]

Hey everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted on the forums. It felt as if I was getting back on track, I wasn't even thinking about suicide any more. That felt like huge progress to me.

I've had a back injury at work at the end of 2015 and it's still not better. Being in pain every day gets the best of me sometimes, but you learn to cope I guess. But recently I was called in for a meeting to explain the options I have at my current workplace. The good thing is, it's part of an agency, but finding work within it is tougher than I thought. My skill set is rather limited and haven't had the chance to study too much due to financial strain. Maybe a quick course here and there, nothing significant enough to get me ahead.

If I can't find a job within 3 months within the agency, then I'll be given a medical redundancy package. I honestly don't want it. It's going to make my life even harder to find a job. There is a major lack of skill improvement in the work place and the ladder to success is closely guarded here.

I have no idea what to do about it. I've been looking every single day, hoping something will pop up which I can apply for. This is stressing me out quite a bit. The bullying and attitude I've been receiving doesn't help either.

I know that I'm trying my best, but sometimes it doesn't feel like enough.

At least I've quit smoking and drinking. So I have that going for me, which is nice.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday, if not, I'll hug you all.

Peace & Love

[Imamess1]

Hi there,

I'm struggling with a bad bout of depression and anxiety and struggling to make a decision as to whether I should resign or not. I can't find much online about whether I can take a looong leave of absence for government or not. I spent 9 years studying at University to finally get my foot in the door and within a matter of months severe depression kicked in. I feel soo guilty for having (unpaid) time off but even more anxious about having to make a final decision as to whether I will return to work in a week once my medical certificate expires. I worked so so hard for this..and now I can't...could you explain a little more about the options given to you by your workplace? It would be much appreciated.

[Croix]

Dear Xavius~

First off I've got to say I'm not sure a hug from that Lord of Warcraft is all up-side.

Getting more serous. I was not able to find all your old posts, thought I did find some on difficulties phones after working in a call center -ugh.

I must say your post today seems to me to come from a person more in control, more able to look look inside and see that's happening.

I can relate to some of the things happening to you. I was invalided out of the police - a long time ago now - due to PTSD and all the related problems. Much more recently I started to develop a degenerative spinal condition. I currently walk with a stick & am used to some discomfort and pain.

Leaving my lifetime vocation via invalidity retirement at a quite young age was devastating. I was fortunate, and after time had passed picked out a subject from the local uni with a pin. I passed and this led to a different path, as an educator.

Not something I imagined would ever be me, but it did. I can't say exactly what your options are, I can say I thought I had no options at all, I was wrong.

Looking for work is something in today's environment that stresses and depresses everybody unlucky enough to be seeking employment. It's par for the course.

The good news is that you have strength of character to face it, giving up smoking and drinking - wow. It took me most of my life, plus a 2nd wife whose first husband died of cancer, for me to stop. So my hat's off to you.

When you posted before you only had your mum for support.

Could you post again and say a little more about your current life, your family, , medical treatment, BF if any, plus how badly you are limited by your back, - oh and if you have a phone you can use now?

Another thing well worth talking about is the things you enjoy, that give you a moment's peace or pleasure.

My best wishes

Croix

[Xavius]

Hey I'm a mess,

I'm really sorry to hear you're not feeling well within yourself. Are you working for a Government agency?

It's difficult to carry on with what you're doing if you can't figure out where you belong. I'm in this boat and there's a little hole in the bottom of it. I'm no guru on the matter of leave. But a few people here have gone on stress leave. But this requires mental health assessments etc.

I had to see my GP every week for a certificate renewal as it was a WorkCover claim. Until they decided my back is "good enough."

I wasn't given many options. I've been given 3 months to find a new job or exit the agency with a medical redundancy. They did offer to get someone in to help me with my resume. But that's about it.

I've always been a hard worker. I used to go all out and push myself to the limit. Now, I can't do anything strenuous and it's driving me nuts.

Hopefully someone can help and give you more insight on the matter.

[Xavius]

Hi Croix

My apologies for the late reply. Feels like I've lost a lot of time. I was typing a response last week, got called away. I also apologise if my answers aren't as extensive, I'm peaking at the moment.

I had a look last week and couldn't find my old post, guess things get deleted.

I've been told that I have insight into myself, but it's almost strange. It's like I do but I don't. Some days are just clearer than others.

I'm sorry to hear about your spine condition. Being in constant pain does make things seem really dull. I can completely relate. I'm only 28 and am at a point of receiving medical redundancy. My history of depression isn't exactly helping my mental state with regards to this issue. It's a constant struggle getting out of bed, getting ready and trying to get through the day when every twist and turn hurts. I have 3 bulging discs, 2 in the lower back which are degenerating, and 1 in the neck. Along with a lateral S-curve in my spine and kyphosis in the neck (curves the wrong way.)

Being an educator / teacher is something I've looked at many times. Something I keep coming back to, something people mention to me a lot. I used to train people in one of my old jobs in I.T. and loved it. Just sharing the knowledge, there's something about it that makes me feel good. I'm sure this is the feeling you get.

Giving up drinking was easy for me, as my biological father is an alcoholic. My uncle passed away due to liver failure from alcohol. Smoking has been tough to quit. But I take it one step at a time.

I still only have my mum. I can't say that I've made any friends either. I've been very sceptical as the people at work who I could have considered a friend, managed to put a couple knives in my back (hypothetical). Along with the bullying at work, I can't say if I'll be able to last another 2 months here.

I do have a phone, but I don't use it for calls. I'll text people a lot or just browse pictures of cats on the internet, because we all know that's what the internet is for.

Turns out this response gained a bit of flesh.

Peace