Gone from v stressy job to relaxed job and its given me anxiety! Wtf!!

[starbaby]

Just started a new job, part time, that is v relaxed and they just leaving me to my own devices. It feels too good to be true.

I came from a job working 12-14hr days, non stop pressure, horrendous morale, everyone stressed and exhausted.

I'm on week 2 of new job and have awful anxiety. That I'm doing it wrong? That I'm missing something? That they going to fire me for not doing enough?
It's awful. Am absolutely on pins and feel sick with anxiety.

Has anyone else experienced this?
I'm now thinking oh god i hope this isn't menopause anxiety!? It's awful!

It's probably your brain realising it can stop and think, and so all the pent up stress of the last job is coming out now rather than then.

I did exactly this OP. I went from a high stress conveyancing job to a work from home admin job with zero stress whatsoever. It threw me for about six months and even now I think there's something wrong.

There isn't.

I believe there is something called your optimum level of stress. You have been used to handling too much so now there is a gap and your brain has to adjust. Also it is a new job and it takes time to adjust.

You’ve been running on stress for so long that it’s going to take time to adjust. You might even end up coming down with a cold or similar, the same way that very stressed out people get ill as soon as they go on holiday.

Accept that this is your body and brain adjusting and that you’re going to need time, and try and practice a bit of self-care. It will pass. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself.

I went through the exact same thing about 5 years ago!
I even posted on here about it.

Was nearly in tears thinking I was going to be sacked cos it obviously wasn't a real job or my role wasn't necessary. Also the waiting for the shit to hit the fan and the stress to come is awful too.

I'm still here 5 years on and it's still very relaxed but I'm used to it now. I've relaxed as well and have discovered that I have other skills that benefit the company and have been allowed to explore these too.

Your anxiety should get better once your mind accepts that this is your new normal.

I could have written this. I started my new low pressure job about 9 months ago and it took about 4 months to adjust.

Id still wake up anxious every morning despite having nothing to be stressed about.

I’ve now eased in and it’s great, I look forward to each day and feel back to being enthusiastic and productive.

Relax OP. Not all jobs expect you to be nose to the grindstone, kill yourself productive.

We're relaxed. We have a lot of balance. If we need to step up from time to time everyone absolutely does, but a lot of companies are like this. Relax and enjoy.

Agree with what PP have said. Would it be worth having a chat about how you're feeling with a manager/asking to check in regarding your performance? It may help put your mind at ease that you're doing a great job (I'm sure you are if you care enough to be questioning it).

Be kind to yourself, your body and mind will catch up in time.