Work Promotion Fears

[5StarDragon]

Hi all, just looking for some support or to hear from people who have felt the same.

After working in a job that went against my values (to put it briefly), I developed mild depression. I quit that job after a year, and was unemployed for a number of months before finding my current job. I did find another job during my period of unemployment, however didn't last long before my depression got the better of me.

I have worked in my current job for over a year and feel very comfortable. I love my coworkers and the work that I do. I think part of why I've done so well is because I started taking anti-depressants a month before I began in my role.

I recently applied for a promotion for a role that will be in a different area. It's been strongly hinted that I have the job. I'm both proud, and terrified.

I've come so far in the past year. My mental health has improved, and I don't wake up wishing I could quit my job.

I'm terrified that moving to another role will take me back to who I used to be. I'm worried that maybe my happiness comes from having such good coworkers, and my new coworkers wont be as good. And what if the work isn't as stimulating or enjoyable? In a way, I'm scared of myself.

I'm probably overthinking, but these thoughts are upsetting me. How can I help myself?

[Hang10]

Hi Kibidragon,

Well done on all your efforts in more than likely getting a promotion, I say the team they are promoting you feel confident that you will be able to handle the increase of responsibility.

Increase in role is scary, it another level and in natural to have doubts. Doubts are their to be overcome. If you get the promotion look at a balance plan that gives you best chance to succeed. Work rest and play will be important. You learn in your new role as you would have done when started the job you doing originally.

The team may or may not be better than the one you have at the moment. It unknown at the stage. Try to look at more that they will be more friendly side this will get you on the front foot mentality before you start your promotion. This will help make good inroads in your new role and possibly achievement more in a short time than you suspected.

If problem occurs than look at the situation as they rise. Most work issues are a results of miscommunication. Try to look deeper at the roots of the problems that way it be addressed more correctly.

Antidepressions tablets have been wonderful to you. GP advice will help best way to deal with new territories that can impact on your depression.

If you not liking the promotion maybe you can go back to the role you at this moment. If you don’t try you may regret it later.

Hope this helps.

Hang10.

[PamelaR]

Hiya Kibidragon and welcome!

Going for promotions are so anxiety provoking aren't they? I do know what you mean as I too have taken on positions that could have been better.

My thoughts are - (from someone who has PTSD, anxiety and depression) - just go for it. Maybe it will work out, maybe it won't. The biggest thing for me used to be, limiting myself for 'fear' of something 'unknown' happening.

But I didn't limit myself. I used to jump in - both feet. And landed on both 🙂

Perhaps you can help yourself by asking - 'what is the worst thing that can happen if the people aren't like your familiar work colleagues'?

I'd also ask myself if I could maintain a friendship / relationship with my previous work colleagues? Just because I was moving sections/departments oughtn't mean forgetting or neglecting those I worked with previously. I use to go out of my way to keep in contact socially. For example, I retired last year and still catch up for lunch, outings with those I used to work with. Specifically, one ex work colleague and one other colleague who retired have caught up socially for the past 5 years or more.

So moving will be different. It is change, but it is manageable.

If you need it. There are loads of helpful tips in the thread - TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY. You can find it pinned at the top in the Anxiety forum.

Hope some of this helps Kibidragon.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[5StarDragon]

Thank you PamelaR for taking the time to respond to me! I will be looking back to your post for support the closer I get to this promotion.

You provided some really helpful advice like staying in touch with my colleagues, and just jumping in!

I think I really just needed reassurance from people who could understand the anxiety, so thank you again.

[5StarDragon]

Thank you Hang10 (I love your username!) for responding to me. I like that you gave me some different perspectives, were realistic and helped me to see my options.

Really appreciate the time and effort you put in to your reply, it helps me a lot.