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Original poster

Is Anyone Else Crying In Their Car Today?

140 replies

Addyview · 02/01/2024 08:19

First day back to work as normal, I worked last week but it was shorter hours and everyone was still in a good mood from Christmas. Today I got up and didn't want to go back to work and leave my family. I don't know if I've got January Blues or if this is my sign that I need a new job but I cried the whole drive to work, must have looked like a mad woman to the next to me when I was sat in traffic. Anyone else having a depressed morning? Any tips to get me through the day without going home with a headache to go join my kids to watch rainy day films?

OP posts:
sugarapplelane · 02/01/2024 13:11

It’s the January blues, but could also be a sign that it’s time to move on.
I was the first to get to the office this morning and one if my colleagues came in after in such a bad mood. Barely spoke when I wished her a happy new year so I didn’t even get a chance to ask her about her Christmas as couldn’t be arsed

Crishell · 02/01/2024 13:12

They call it the January blues for a reason.

It doesn't have to be though. I remember getting home from an amazing holiday to Greece and feeling so sad, then I reminded myself of how lucky I was to be able to go there and what wonderful memories we now have. I felt fine after that.

You have to look forward and try to enjoy the little things.

JudgeJ · 02/01/2024 13:13

Back in the day I used to hate going back to teaching after the Christmas break more than any other, it never seemed like there was time to unwind, even though we obviously had more time off than a lot of people.

To answer the original question though, yes I did sit in my car and almost cry, note to self, make sure the driver's window is fully closed when biblical amounts of rain is expected!

Topofthemountain · 02/01/2024 13:14

I get you OP. I have only done a half day today (dentist in a bit) but I have already been in tears at the realisation that the crap from last year is going to be the same crap carrying into this year.

I need a new job, but I have a very niche role which is pretty much not available anywhere else locally, so if I move it will have to be into a different role.

Hope you get through today ok OP. Hump day tomorrow.

WhatACluster · 02/01/2024 13:16

I feel the same! This is the 1st time since I started my job that I haven’t wanted to go back to it!

I had a feeling of dread which started yesterday around 4pm.

I am not sure how I have gotten till 1pm to be honest, I feel like going off sick but I am not actually sick and I would never leave my work colleagues up shits creek which is what would happen as no management are back in till Thursday

January blues or time to look for a new job I’m not sure 🤷‍♀️ I have updated my CV and will upload it and send it around to various recruiters by the end of the week…

Foxsoxandgloves · 02/01/2024 13:16

On the flip side, I sat in my car and cried during Christmas WITH my family and now feel terrible grief and regret at the loss I have likely suffered. So I know its tough but you have them to come home to. I'm not trying to minimise you, just a cheering thought x

caringcarer · 02/01/2024 13:18

I actually think the nicer time off you had the worse going back feels. Also the weather is awful the constant rain is miserable on its own.

Topofthemountain · 02/01/2024 13:18

The silver lining though is that local schools are still off this week so I won't have to do battle to get out of my road.

BarrelOfOtters · 02/01/2024 13:20

SlightlygrumpyBettyswaitress · 02/01/2024 08:22

I have a note in my diary " you always feel.like this in January".

That is brilliant.

Dagnabit · 02/01/2024 13:23

Oh yeah, YANBU - I feel utterly miserable today, as did my DH as he left for work. I don’t actually mind my job, although the last year has been extremely challenging for me and my team. I’m hoping I perk up soon ….meh.

LouOver · 02/01/2024 13:23

It's my birthday this week and whilst shit time of year it usually keeps me out of January blues. However I don't think I've seen sunlight through this weather since mid December so I feel miserable, nothing to do with work.

Make some summer plans OP, look at holidays. Days out. Something to remember this is a short term feeling.

Fernticket · 02/01/2024 13:23

@Foxsoxandgloves 💐.

I have a job and colleagues I like and am blessed by being able to work from home today, but I still feel like sh!t. All my other colleagues are away until Thursday so it's grim.
I agree with PPs that most of us feel like this in January and the wet, windy and generally grim weather doesn't help.
Sending hugs to you all.

2chocolateoranges · 02/01/2024 13:23

I’ll start by saying you aren’t alone.

i go back to work tomorrow to a job I love, I love what i do but I definitely get holiday blues.

i feel grumpy and irritable today and feel sad that after an amazing 10days off I’m going back to work.

EnjoyingTheSilence · 02/01/2024 13:27

I think it’s a sign to look for a new job. I was actually looking forward to going back in today. Don’t get me wrong, I had a lovely Christmas with the family so it wasn’t like I needed an escape, I just enjoy my job (most of the time!)

In my last job I was like you @Addyview but was scared to leave. Best thing I ever did.

Hope you day gets better 💐

Mags57 · 02/01/2024 13:28

Oh love, January is really shit. Look for a new job to make it seem less so if work is really that bad. Otherwise, use your annual leave wisely next year if possible. I’m trying to get some nice plans in the diary this month to make it more bearable.

Lightbulbspark · 02/01/2024 13:32

I've been there too, OP. I dread the first, dark, cold, early January morning back at work. Can you plan some changes? Reduce your hours or days? The lighter evenings ARE coming, noticeably so by the end of January. I also scour the calendar for the next cultural and sporting event to look forward to at this time of year.

kikisparks · 02/01/2024 13:39

I always book my holidays and other events for the year in January for this reason. We have the theatre at the weekend, a break at the end of the month, a show in February, a holiday in early April and so on. Obviously involves having the money to do that.

Mumofteens4892 · 02/01/2024 13:41

I felt like this in my last job. I am now freelancing, and I couldn't wait to get started this morning! Sounds like you need a change of scene. Don't make any rash decisions whilst you feel so very low, but just start to gently think about what makes you "tick" and what your talents and passions are. Also think about who you know, and who could mentor you, or open doors for you this year. Simply aim to not feel like this again in 12 months time, and go easy on yourself.

TripleDaisySummer · 02/01/2024 13:42

I had this still 6 month into my first proper job - and so many people were eager to tell me it was normal.

I last just before 12 months - and started job hunting - ended up in a new job first few months neve racking and hard but even with a 2 hour commute via public transport - 2 hour sin morning and 2 in evening - I was actually happier.

DH was feeling this last year and it was effecting home life so he seriously started and despite his expectations found a nearby job. He has odd moments of new job don't fit in but they pass and he's much happier.

DoubleShotEspresso · 02/01/2024 13:43

You are not alone OP- I had a bi of a moment earlier in my car and just pulled the. car over for a bit to try and have a word with myself. e all kind of had Christmas robbed from us due to some stupidly selfish behaviour from MIL, consequently all been so ill, actually I don't think I have ever been this ill in my adult life. DP is back at work today and I suppose the reality of not having had the break we all so much needed really hit home. Christmas just blurred past us, all the plans, work and food wasted, lots of friends and family catchups had to be cancelled, I just resent the whole situation so much and he person I am angry at is now sunning themselves in another continent.
I am a full time carer to a disabled child so festive holidays are literally the only thing approximating a break or social contact I really get, so this is all the more magnified. for me than for DP I think. I am not a crier at all normally, but could literally lose my mind today-hoping it passes and trying to just accept things now but Jeez I am angry...

DoubleShotEspresso · 02/01/2024 13:45

Sorry pressed send oo soon, OP I hope the your day and mood improves, I have been using music to try and numb me out and lift my mood, hope you have found something helpful too.

blackfluffycat · 02/01/2024 13:47

Genuinely curious.

Those that enjoy / like / love their jobs. What do you do?

WimbyAce · 02/01/2024 13:48

WFH today but actually was glad to get back to it which sounds awful I know. The break is nice in theory but I really struggle with no routine and my mental health has been a bit iffy being in with the kids and other half so much. I find it hard to do nothing and then I start getting anxious about doing things again so I feel better today.

blackfluffycat · 02/01/2024 13:48

My DH has had 3 weeks off at home and works 6 hours from us. It will be a shock.

WantOutOfRatRace · 02/01/2024 13:49

Yanbu. I'm struggling with being back to work today. Like you I worked between Xmas and New year but it was fairly chilled. I'm torn on whether it's the actual job or just the lack of proper break. Between being ill and the bad weather, I really didn't get the time to relax that I desperately needed.

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