Just resigned from my job with immediate effect, don't know what to do now

[Cherryma]

For 6 months I have been working in a residential home for young adults with autism. I've just had 2 weeks of annual leave and was supposed to go back to work tomorrow.

The week before I went on annual leave I was physically attacked by 2 of the residents (on different days). The first instance one of them put their hands around my throat and strangled me hard. The second time I was pulled down to the floor by my hair, constant hair pulling and being punched and scratched on the head. Both incidents left me shaken and in floods of tears. I now fear for my safety at work.

I was supposed to go back to work yesterday but I had a panic attack on the bus in thinking I might get attacked again and I called in sick. Today I was shaking and crying for the whole bus journey in and I just can't do the job any more. I thought I might feel better after my annual leave buy I didn't.

Today I resigned with immediate effect. I'm supposed to give a week's notice but I just couldn't do it. I don't have another job to go to and I know it seems stupid to quit without one. I've seen some jobs in recruitment agency windows that are immediate start jobs that I would feel comfortable doing. I feel like I have failed and that I'm weak. The residents who attacked me have full mental capacity so know what they're doing, and have attacked other staff before.

[Cherryma]

I meant I was meant to go back to work yesterday not tomorrow.

[ohwheniknow]

You haven't failed. You made the right decision for you in horrible circumstances and already have a plan for what you're going to do next. You should be proud of yourself.

[huglessduglas]

Hugs

You done the right thing for your own health and well-being.
Yes it not great to have nothing in the pipeline but as you’ve seen there are jobs available if you put yourself forward.
I’ve previously done the same and agency had me placed 2 days later.
Stay strong

[user1471449295]

You’ve made the right decision op . I’m sorry you had to deal with that at work

[LittleLongDog]

You have done the right thing for yourself. I hope there’s never a time, but if you’re ever in a similar situation, ask the GP to sign you off sick for the remaining notice period.

[Livebythecoast]

I used to work in care with adults with challenging behaviour. I left because of the reasons you give. I'd be highly anxious before my shift. I didn't get as badly hurt as you but got karate kicked a few times and hair pulled.
I think you've done the right thing.
Do you have a bit of money to fall back on if you don't get something immediately?
I hope you find something soon

[purplecorkheart]

Well done, you are doing the right thing for you. You have not failed, you have succeeded in looking after your own safety and wefare.

[Cherryma]

Thank you all for your kind words, you have made me feel better about the situation. I'm going to be applying for loads of jobs tomorrow and next week, online and giving my CV in around town. I don't really mind what I do except I don't want to do anything care related again.

[Hellobee]

You've done the right thing. I know somone who is now disabled because of being attacked in her care home. I am also about to resign next week without another job. Life is too short.

[Cherryma]

I feel so much relief that I don't have to go back there. This morning I felt so sick and stressed that I nearly threw up. Thank you all for saying I've done the right thing.

[TrueCrimeFan]

You did the correct thing for your physical and mental health. That's a really traumatic experience to have been attached once much less twice'

I hope now that you have the closure of having left you feel better soon and find a new role.

[AloneLonelyLoner]

Good grief. You absolutely did the right thing.

I worked in a similar situation to you and I was kicked hard once on my bump (I was quite pregnant at the time) and it took that trip to the hospital before anyone took the issue seriously.

You come first. It is your life and you shouldn't live in fear.

You'll get something else better. Don't regret this for a minute.

[Hedgehogparty]

You’ve looked after your health by resigning. That’s a strong proactive thing to do.
Life is truly too short to tolerate this violence in a workplace.

[Didiusfalco]

You absolutely have done the right thing. My friend got a job in Asda with no references after a big gap, a few months ago. She loves it and doesn’t feel stressed about going to work. You have recent work experience, you will find something. I’ve also walked out of a very stressful work situation before and I got something within two weeks. It’s absolutely not worth risking your health over.

[Ellmau]

Can you report it to the police as assault?

[Pretty112]

Same thing happened to me and I sent you a pm. I agree with pp. Please don’t feel bad you have done the right thing. You will find a new role , especially if it it is care / support work. Or maybe you could try a new avenue. I enjoyed support work , but would be too scared to try again myself sadly .

[Therebythedoor]

I know you've resigned but were the management team supportive and did they take action to prevent other carers being put in the same position? If not it might be worth telling your agency, if you used one to get that job so they are aware and help prevent them situation happening again with someone else. I think it would help you come to terms with what happened to you, if this is the case. You absolutely did the right thing for you and I wish you good luck.