Have I been unreasonable in going back to work?

[Welshmaenad]

I have recently restarted work after over 18m off due to a chronic health condition. My disease is neurological (similar to MS) and results in mobility issues, extreme fatigue, joint and muscle pain and a host of other delights.

I have secured a position in my old field st 18.5 hours a week and I'm so delighted to be back doing what I love. However I am SO TIRED. Several weeks in I feel like I've been hit by a truck. I don't think it's helped that I picked up a chest infection and have worked through it because I don't want to be seen as flaky or 'weak' - several colleagues took a few dats off when they picked up the same bug.

Is there anyone who has returned to work after extended dick/disability absence who can reassure me that it gets better and I haven't made a huge mistake? I need the money, and I need to do what I love, but right now I feel awful and like a terrible mum because I'm too tired to engage with the kids the way I would like (I'm a single parent). Have I bitten off more than I can chew?

I would say that starting a new job is always exhausting so I would try and take it as easy as possible at home and stick with the job for a little while longer. I am sure it's ok if you are a little bit less engaged with the kids for a few months while you settle in. I would assume it's temporary. Obviously revisit after six months if you still feel the same then. And please do take sick days when you are sick so you can fully recover.