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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should I leave my job after mistakes and health issues?

9 replies

HeartyGreenNewt · 04/07/2026 23:04

I've been working for an environmental organisation for just over 2 years. I started as maternity cover but was kept on as a job share. Whilst I get on with my job share partner ok, she has tried to be very critical of everything things that I do and pull me up on things all the time. I was confident in my abilities but seem to have started making quite a few mistakes. I've also had some problem with my health and some major issues in my personal life, and things are starting to go sour at work. I've upset a few people, not intentionally but just doing what I thought was right. I've had issues with too much work being put on me (I work part time along with caring for a family member), my manager has now started saying that I'm doing things 'half arsed'. I went off sick for a month due to my physical and mental health. I've been back a couple of weeks and I've messed up again! I technically did something illegal with a protected species, it didn't even occur to me that it wasn't a good idea (in my defense I thought it was a non-protected species).

Now I'm thinking I'm just shit! I used to be really good at previous environmental jobs, i have a lot of previous experience (I'm in my 50's)but this one is going from bad to worse! The volunteers I work with all seem to like me and were saying that they were really happy to have me back. But I can't seem to do anything right with my manager and some of the other staff. So, should I just jump before I'm pushed? I'm going to see Occupational health to discuss reasonable adjustments as my health issues are long term, but I just think my cards are marked now.

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LilOleMe2 · 04/07/2026 23:12

Everyone makes mistakes. The trouble is you need go be able to move on. If you become preoccupied worrying about it that makes you make another one.
( i am inyrigued by your illegal act with a protected species though?)

SleepyHollowed84 · 04/07/2026 23:15

Your financial situation is surely relevant in this context? Can you afford to leave? Are you actively applying for jobs?

HeartyGreenNewt · 04/07/2026 23:18

I could apply for other jobs or claim carers allowance.

I picked up a dead protected species and took it back to the office, without a license

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StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 04/07/2026 23:30

It sounds as if it's becoming a self fulfilling prophecy - you get criticized which makes you more nervous so you make mistakes and get criticised... Are there similar jobs you could do? I feel like a fresh start with a clean slate could do the trick.

What is the actual fall out from that mistake? The thing was already dead. Should you have known not to bring it back?

HeartyGreenNewt · 04/07/2026 23:34

I should have known not to bring it back, but I wasn't entirely sure what it was. It caused a fuss in the office (in front of the CEO) and someone else (with a license) had to drive for half an hour to take it back.

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Rosybud88 · 04/07/2026 23:38

I agree that everyone makes mistakes but go with your gut on this one. I have persevered in jobs that made me truly miserable only for me to leave further down the road with my confidence on the floor. Have a look around at what other opportunities there are and go from there. Sometimes I don’t think the stress is worth staying. Best of luck.

HeartyGreenNewt · 04/07/2026 23:41

My confidence is already on the floor, I should have left ages ago but didn't want to let the volunteers down

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Gettingbysomehow · 04/07/2026 23:48

Is it possible you mighg be perimenopsusal? I remember making mistakes at work duri g that time and having very poor .ental health and everything felt overwhelming.

HeartyGreenNewt · 04/07/2026 23:55

I haven't had a period for nearly a year, so yes menopausal may be a factor. I can't seem to retain any information anymore. Can't take hrt though as I've had breast cancer.

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