What would you do? Work / resign??

[ImGoneUnderground]

Sorry if this sounds like a bit of rant - its more a request for advice -
I have been off work for about 10 weeks due to a bad / painful physical condition, awaiting an operation (waiting time is about 4 + months now, if I am 'lucky'), currently signed off work by GP, but that can't go on indefinitely, so I am due back to work shortly. (In a job that I used to love, but now fear I cannot continue in it - I have lost all confidence & feel very anxious about returning to work - & yes, I know that is probably normal).

I am about a year away from retiring altogether (recently partially retired, 3 day week, so already living on reduced income) - I own my house, have a small pension, could cover basic bills with pension, plus using my quite limited savings to live on - I am SO tempted to resign altogether, & live frugally until I reach state pension age, and then would also get a small bit more personal pension - scared about any unseen bills (repairs etc) - and so many people / friends advise to 'just carry on & see it out' - I kind of know I am in a good position with regards to owning my home - I feel like I would be letting myself down if I did just go ahead & leave work. Any thoughts - please be kind, I have worked for almost 50 years - this is more of a 'what would you do? xx

Not tons -some, but no exercise, look like a vampire due to being in doors so much, sigh xx but yes feel awful xx l

That pain is the worst ever. The next time it comes go straight to A& E as there is a big chance they will operate. Coffee was the one thing that set the pain off for me.
I think you have absolutely no cause to feel bad about taking all your sick leave. You are obviously a very diligent worker but this is a genuine sickness so no need to apologise just state the facts. Getting that dreadful pain while in work would be hell. I, literally, had to roll around on the floor l was in such pain so that would be very awkward in work. After 50 years working you have shown your worth. Now you are sick..fact! Take sick leave.
Just to reassure you l never looked back after the operation.

I don’t think the CS pension is much worse than the NHS though, is it? And unless you weren’t contributing for a large proportion of your working life, it should be a decent percentage of your current salary?

So worth looking into with your pensions people - it may keep you afloat until state retirement age.

Good luck!

I’m glad you’re feeling a little better, or at least that you have a plan to follow. While you definitely shouldn’t feel at all guilty about stopping work, leaving a stable part time job you otherwise enjoy for what will hopefully be a temporary illness would I think be foolish. Really hope your can see your GP soon and that they’re helpful. When you do see them please don’t be stoic, make sure you describe your pain on the bad days not the good days. And push for a time for the operation however you can. I assume you’re on the consultants list - make sure you ring their secretary and politely say how much it’s affecting you and can you be considered for any last minute cancellations. Using the “I’m going to lose my job unless I have a timeline to get this resolved” line with the hospital can sometimes be helpful.