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Going back to work after 5 months signed off..

4 replies

sarargh · 28/05/2018 15:33

Hey guys, this is my first post here as a member (after years of lurking!)

I had been signed off work with stress and anxiety since after Christmas. My triggers were very much workplace related and although I have stuff going on in my private life (who doesn’t!) - the main reason I got signed off was because of things going on in my department. It’s been the first time for me that I’ve ever had to admit I can’t cope, and the first time I’ve ever been off work like that so kinda a difficult time getting to grips with that.

Long story short, after months of job hunting I finally found a new job and I start tomorrow. Handing in my notice was the biggest relief but now I have a whole new anxiety of going back to work after so long, and getting back into that routine.

Although I’m trying to focus on the positives and tell myself that I never wanted to be off for so long, I’m not a work shy person - I feel sick thinking about starting tomorrow in a brand new company I will know nothing about! Not only that, I’m a manager so need to brave face it in a sense as I will have people reporting to me. It’s like the back to school feeling you’d get as a kid multiplied by 10!

Has anyone been in a similar position? Would love to hear other people’s stories or tips that helped them. I know I’ll be fine once the hardest part is over but it’s still a sickening feeling

Thanks in advance for sharing xx

OP posts:
Canwejustrelaxnow · 28/05/2018 18:12

Sorry, no advice, but just wanted to say good luck!

RLOU88 · 28/05/2018 18:15

Congrats on the new job :)
I went back 6 months after leaving for mental health reasons and couldn’t have felt more anxious. What I will personally say is after the first week I felt fantastic. Getting back into a routine was the best thing I could have done. You will be absolutely fine but even managers need to experience new job nerves so be kind to yourself x

Papayalady · 28/05/2018 19:18

Well done for taking the next step into a new job. I hope it all goes very well. Does your new employer have support for employees experiencing mental health issues?
I'm considering leaving my industry which is going to be very tricky after 30 years in my field, but I'm done with the stress/ anxiety. I admire you for returning to the workplace. I do hope you newe working environment is a lot more positive, and now you probably know what you will/ won't put up with at work in the future. All the best x

justabitloopy · 28/05/2018 23:51

Hi op I hope the new job goes well for you. Your very brave for making the new start. Please keep us updated as
I'll be watching to see how you get on. I'm in the third month of for the same reason and I don't think I can go back to my job or that I'm ready to start a new one yet. Did your employer keep in contact with you whilst you were off?

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