Hi everyone

[Retchey]

Hi,

Just here to say hello,

Needed to reach out to others battling with work anxiety depression, currently off work on leave, for the third time in 6 years, need to make some big changes but finding it hard while feeling this way. Any way that my story, take care

[Zeal]

Hi Retchey,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for introducing yourself!

I'm sorry to hear you've had a long journey with anxiety and depression issues at work. It's good that you recognize when you need time off, and take it accordingly. If you don't mind me asking, what is your job role like? Are your colleagues supportive?

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Retchey]

Hi zeal,

I work retail as a meat manager for a large multinational, my role is very physically demanding and hours are constantly being cut back, I am suffering from physical issues sore back neck, which is making the job really hard, it all just way too much for me for the third time and here I am again, I have spoken to hr and they have been supporting me, offered me to step down if I wanted to a 30 hour per week role, Im just finding it hard to make a decision feeling like this, or should I just leave the job altogether and walk away. But that also seems daunting after 18 years.

Regards

[Zeal]

Hey Retchey,

It certainly does sound like the physical nature of your job isn't sustainable anymore. Chronic pain of that nature is more debilitating than some people realise. Thankfully you have been communicating with HR and they are being helpful. 18 years is a significant commitment to a company, so good on you for maintaining this position for so long!

If you stepped down to this 30 hour per week role, what changes do you think this job role would bring (both positive and negative)?

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Retchey]

Hi zeal,

I like the way you broke that down, the 30 hours would definitely take a lot of pressure away, in regards to having to manage such a large turnover department, and would take away a lot of the mental stress that's for sure, the negatives would be a large pay cut. My wife also works and is always willing to do more if needed, she wants me leave the job, I have been to the doctors and am seeing someone for my issues, taking all the correct measures. Am I being stubborn? Is my mental health worth a job? That's my question in all this

[Zeal]

Hey,

Having less pressure/stress sounds beneficial, but you've noted that there's a significant pay cut. Thankfully your wife also works and is able and willing to work more hours. So your wife wants you to leave the job/company completely? Or take on the lower pressure 30 hour role?
Seeing your doctor and addressing the issues you're facing is being proactive, so I wouldn't say you are being stubborn. Ultimately, I do think your mental health is more important than a particular job role.

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Retchey]

Hi zeal,

My wife is very supportive, she just wants me to come back to being me, she wants me to leave altogether, her works are "the job is past it's used by date" I know I need more time and my mind to be more clear before I make a desicion, I know I can't go back to Managing, maybe the lesser role is the way to go, I need to wait until the AD kick in as I'm in on the couch mode with my doona atm, but doing things that I need to do. Just very little motivation.

Regards