I want to do well but I struggle

[Autumn2026]

I'm mid thirties and come to realise that I really struggle with work. The longest I've been in a job is 5 years but half way I went on maternity leave and came back on 2 days.
I'm neurodiverse with an ADHD diagnosis but suspect I have ASD.
The problem is if the job is too easy I get bored. I always want to do better but currently I'm in a role I thought would help me progress but I can't handle the stress and pressure. My body is slowly showing signs of stress and my recent blood tests and blood pressure arent good.
I want to work, I want to do well but I just find it sooooo hard.
I work in a school so I had the 6 weeks off which was fine and then I came back and then its been awful. I'm constantly fighting fires, there is not enough staff or staff just won't help. I am fighting parents and also staff as I have to hold them account for things. My manager knows i'm stressed and occupational health said about completing a stress plan but she hasn't and is always adding more onto me. I am capable but i'm trying to hold it together and I just can't do it anymore.
I'm looking at other jobs but I need to work in a school to work around my child as I'm a single parent. Schools are just awful environments to work in.
I just don't know what to do. I am so so unhappy, cry so much, my body is showing signs of stress and today i am off work again.

Has anyone ever been like me? Any advice? Sorry I feel that was a bit rambly and might not make sense.

Add on top of that the ever increasing price of things too! Currently costing me £400 just to get to work and food prices being sky high. So that also isn't helping my stress

Life is stressful

how many more years do you have to work in a school ? Are you sure there is no childminder option of you had different hours ?

It sounds like you're blaming yourself and the ADHD for the fact that you're having a normal response to what sounds like an absolute stressful shitshow of a working environment.

If you're looking for tips how to not get stressed fighting fires every day, battling with parents and not being supported by a skeleton crew of staff, I'm not sure there are any.

Probably another 5 or 6 more years. A childminder would just be another cost issue tbh.

I think you're right. Nothing is going to solve it. SLT are absolutely awful and pass all the work down to people like me then have a go when we are unable to do all the work or cope. I think all schools are going to be like this. Such a bad enviroment.
I just don't know what to do

I've been in your situation with a very stressful job that I didn't really understand and it was awful.

I have a great job now, straightforward, easy and I love it so much. The pay is rubbish compared with the other job but my MH is more important.

Schools can be a very difficult environment.

consider changing school (some are better than others)
if your role is available outside a school look to transition.

honestly, they are very difficult places to work.

What is your job at the school?

Also can we look at your commute costs ? Is there no nearer school to try ? At least that could save some money and take some pressure off ?

and often a change gives you a bit of a break

Attendance currently but going back to Safeguarding next year. Surprisingly I preferred Safeguarding

@Autumn2026 I can see that makes you the meat in the sandwich between a demanding SLT and arsy parents.

I would proactively ask for the stress risk assessment and also find out if there is any ADHD coaching avaialable via yr GP/MH Trust. Are you medicated?

You could also keep an eye open for part-time jobs.

I went for another job interview today but I just didn't feel it. It was another safeguarding job too and I think i rushed into the application not thinking about the same stresses in this type of role. I just want a stress free job thats works around my son :(

A school sounds like the worst place for your personality (outside of a hospital!). Are there no office environments anywhere near you?

There are but I need time off in the school holidays to look after my son. I knkw there are clubs but he is older now and won't like them and its extra money I need to find.

Ive now been signed off sick from work. This is the first time I've ever been signed off sick.

I am similar in many ways and can relate. I too do not seem to stay very long in jobs, longest ever was 4 years and everything since then has been 1 to 2 plus years. I took work in a school and have done for a few years now. Maybe it's a common theme? I too have often wondered about neurodiversity. I'm diagnosed with GAD and have had bouts of depression over the years.
Sorry not more help but I can understand to a degree.

You sound like me. It's really hard to convey the stress working in a school can bring. It's a really overwhelming environment, so many children that are pushing boundaries, so many parents that hold you responsible for their child's issues, SLT with unrealistic demands as they are managing on the tightest budgets.

I am older and can't really shift jobs now as I need the money, but if I was your age, I would be looking for other jobs where possible and find the childcare for the Summer holidays. It does mean spending the money, but if you find a job close by, you may be able to save on commuting costs anyway.

Working in a school is really stressful especially in the area I work in.
I just feel quite lost. I don't know what route to take. I feel like my degree was wasted. I just want to be happy and enjoy life again. I feel like i haven't for a while