Should I leave my job after mistakes and health issues?

[HeartyGreenNewt]

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.

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?)

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.