Should I leave a stressful job during probation after an angina scare?

[IllhealthRetirementDilemna]

I would really value some advice please wise Mumsnetters. I don't want to be hasty and can be impulsive so hearing others thoughts would be so helpful.

I am 55, single, child free, house paid off with no debts. I work in a well paid but stressful, very long hours etc industry, I left a role in June 25 which became very toxic, thinking I would take early retirement. Financially possible if fairly frugal.

Someone I had worked with previously got in touch in Feb this year, had same role we had done before, vacancy coming up and would I be interested. I got the job and started end March, is 6 month probation period. Team are lovely but role is busy, stressful and long hours.

I have high blood pressure so aware stress can be a factor, I am also overweight. Then yesterday, called 111 as had chest pains, sent to A&E, no heart attack, they think angina, been referred for treadmill test and have been given GTN spray.

My first thought is hand in notice during probation as shorter notice period and focus on health, eating right, losing weight etc. Then I worry I let people down, person who referred me, look like a right flake to friends and family

I did find the 9 months off work isolating, I enjoy home hobbies but didn't make enough effort to go out to classes so am aware this would need to change. I am also aware that this would be it in terms of this industry, lots of lay offs etc and I am flipping between you would be mad to give up a well paid job that you won't get again to you can manage on savings / pension pot, get rid of work stress.

Sorry that ended up long! All thoughts welcomed, thank you

Also single and child free and hoping to pack it in by then

I would certainly pack it in. You’ve had a health scare, don’t worry about what they think, although I’d be surprised if they think badly of you.

If you’re worried about boredom, could you do some consultancy in your area of expertise?

Thank you for your reply, I was thinking leaving is the best way to go but got in my head and don't trust my instincts now!

I have just had a call from the hospital so booked in to their Chest Pain Clinic on Tuesday for consultation and exercise test so will maybe be patient and see if I get a diagnosis then.

How are your plans to pack it by 55 going?

I retired at 55 and a few years on am working again (new business we've started). It was fine not doing the daily grind for a bit but then I got bored! Friends are working still or the older ones are cruising or travelling (a lot) and I found volunteering less fulfilling as it wasn't challenging enough. Personally I'd say that if you felt isolated when not working for 9 months you are not ready to retire. Go to the clinic, take any medication they offer and then work on losing weight etc as part of the treatment. Maybe talk to work about cutting your hours but I think you'll find trying to focus on improving your health without anything else to focus on quite difficult. Hope all goes well on Tuesday (try not to let your health define you and become all consuming.)