Would you leave your job for the sake of your mental health

[Soscared29]

I won’t bore you with the details, but I am currently off work with depression and anxiety. I have suffered this for years but the current role I am in/along with combination of lockdown and working from home for weeks as had a really severe impact on my mental health. I just can’t live like this anymore. The thought of going back is making me feel worse - so if you could afford to, would you leave a job in order to focus on your mental health and family life?

Yes. I did.

Yes, I did at the start of the year. The work environment was toxic and I couldn't keep up with my housework. I was on the road for 90 minutes before I got to work as had nursery and 3 different school drops. It didn't make that much difference financially as I was working to pay for after school clubs etc. I have since started my own business when the toddler is at nursery and have managed to clear my home of clutter and am on top of house for once!

I have and the only mistake was that I stayed longer than I should have done. Luckily I had a new job lined up. A year later, I am so much happier. I’ve taken a small pay cut and the commute is longer but more interesting and more exercise

I was worried that it was just me and I’d take my anxieties with me but I can honestly say leaving was the best thing I did.

I did. Boss was a bully, I had a deep depression as a result.
Leaving was definitely the right thing to do; thankfully I found a job within 2 months.

Yes

I did. It saved me.

Absolutely. Have done so in the past. It is so important to look out for yourself. I found out you'll never get an invitation so have to make the choice.

I did, and lost a load of friends as a result.
I’m still glad I did. I couldn’t keep going.

Yes I did but was fortunate to find another job to replace, drop in salary but my anxiety has reduced greatly

Yes. If you 'can't live like this' something has to change! Hope you have support to get you through.

I did, it was the best thing I ever did. I was lucky enough we could survive on DH salary, as it gave me two years off work to work on my mental health.

Yes. I went had about 6 months off before I went self employed. The environment was just so toxic and not a good place to be.

Yes, in a heartbeat. My current job is having a massive detrimental affect on both my mental health, with knock-on effects on my physical health.

Unfortunately I'm not anywhere near in a position to quit. I actually said to dp last week that I don't think anyone realises quite how close to the edge I am.

I've just had a week annual leave and been ill the whole time, barely managing to get up on a few days. It's like my body finally relaxed and crashed

Yes I did after time off sick with no support. I wasn’t able to cope anymore so resigned. I did have a wobble as to whether I was doing the right thing but since I’ve left I’ve not once regretted it.
If you’re financially able to then go for it xx

Yes, I left my last job for my mental health. It was awful waking up everyday to anxiety to the point I couldn’t even get out of bed some days. Even on my days off I was a complete mess.

I left last year, took a break for a few months and found another job that’s been a breath of fresh air! I’m so much happier now.

Yes, I did once. No regrets.

of course......and I have done and never regretted it.

Yes. I left my job after time off and being in a mental health hospital - my job and lack of support at work was a huge factor in becoming unwell. I didn't have a new job to go to when I quit - I left the profession entirely- and took a pay cut when I found a new role but it was absolutely the best thing for me. I would go as far as saying if I had gone back I may well not be here anymore.

If you're in the financial position to do it I would say health and wellbeing has got to come first.

Yes of course. It’s only a job and life is too short to be in a job that affects your mental health.

Thanks everyone for your replies. My dp and family think it’s madness to leave a job with nothing lined up, but then they are not living my anguish. I am some serious thinking to do this weekend. I am a hopeless people-pleaser and hate letting people down.

Have some*

Yes I did and it was the best thing I did.

I too worried that my anxiety would continue after I left the job but it disappeared almost immediately.

Yes I would. Mental health is important.

Would do. Have done. More than once.

Work is just work. It doesn't mean anything.