I have recently started a new job, and there is a team away day next Tuesday in Leeds. I found out about the confirmed date yesterday after returning from two weeks leave, everyone else has had weeks to plan and book travel.
Here is my dilemma. I am based in Northern Ireland and I do not currently drive as my licence was surrendered following a tonic clonic sezure last summer and a subsequent diagnosis of epilepsy. I am waiting on the DVLA to return it.
Getting to the airport requires a taxi which is about an hours drive away. The only realistic return flight gets me home at around half ten at night meaning I would not get home till close to midnight.
On top of all of this I have just increased my anti seizure medication this week and am experiencing significant side effects including dizziness and fatigue. My neurologist has advised me to avoid unnecessary exhaustion and stress. I am 56 and don’t had the same energy these days anyways but even worse now with the side effect. I work from home so can work around this but the travelling part is going to be really hard just due to all the circs.
Everyone else attending is based in England so for them it is a train or car journey.
Part of me feels I should make the effort as it is an early opportunity to meet my new team in person and I do not want to make a bad impression. But another part of me feels that pushing through a gruelling last minute journey while on new medication with these side effects is genuinely not sensible. I am also terrified of triggering another seizure just as I am about to get my licence back after not having had it for 15 months now.
Would you go? And would you judge someone in these circumstances for not going?