I have researched about the benefits of returning to work for mental health and understand the theory behind the benefits of doing so but I don't think it would be best for me.
I have had six months off work after leaving a toxic work environment and I am reassessing the importance of everything as I am now probably the happiest and balanced I have felt for a very long time.
I am supported financially as was made "incapable of working" but my concern now that I am doing well mentally, my doctors may say that it is time to go back to work (which was the cause of my diagnosis).
How is this capability (of being able to work) measured and how can I ensure that I am putting myself first and am looking after my family? (I have not been reassessed after a trial of rtw that I had to cease, I was "capable at work" but my home life was falling apart and I was going backwards feeling so out of control). I finally feel back on track and would like to keep it this way.
Do insurance providers and medical professionals support this or care?
Are people happy not working? I am finally able to accept not working is best for me at the moment and I can see myself being content with this but how can I keep it this way?
I don't really want to quit everything I have worked for in my career but I am not managing doing both career and family. How did I ever do it I wonder? (I used to get asked that alot) I have no idea, some days now I can't even get out of bed and this post has taken me an hour to write!
I like the routine my children offer me (aka getting them to school, helping at school (before covid19) and am now getting out to excercise each day and am looking after myself. I see these as my priorities. If I could I would do this until they finish school (ie for the next 12 years) but I would be kissing my career goodbye if I gave up now. I would sacrifice that for quality time raising my children as I have proven I can't do both.
