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 if I could afford to and leaving wouldn't cause financial stress I absolutely would. I've been in a job which caused made me unwell with stress and anxiety and it was awful, mental health is so important

I left a high powered, well-paid job that I'd worked all my life to get, and it was the best business decision I've ever made.

There's more to life than work, your health being one!

I did this too. My only regret is the bully got away with it (only for a bit longer though, as it did catch up with her eventually. I was in the middle of a long line of targets.), but due to a bereavement I was in no place to fight it. It was completely the right decision.

Yes I have. Best thing ever. Awful boss.

Yes, I did.

Yes, and I did. I had another job lined up, but then things got worse, so I left before I’d planned to, and before my new job would employ me. I had about 4 months off, and it saved my sanity.

Well yes, of course. Why wouldn't you?

You’re all very kind, thank you!
I think I am apprehensive because it took me overcoming a breakdown to finish my qualification (I’m a nurse btw) so feel sad that it is still affecting it now. I feel as if I have let myself down more than anything. But my self esteem has been shattered.

Yes!!! But do make sure you have something to get up for every day.
You really mustn't stay in a job which is negatively effecting your health.
Focus on yourself.
Good Luck x

PS. I would walk out too. Sod giving notice !

If you're a nurse, then you have alternatives and are luckily in demand. For most people I'd say that right now is a bad time to leave unless you have something else lined up as the job market is going to stay horrific for a while, but if you'd be able to get another one, then yes.

Yep, I did. I couldn't really afford it either but it was that or suicide. That was 4 years ago and things are much much better now. Look after yourself, you deserve to be happy.

Yes! I was a community nurse, in a shit marriage, I was so depressed I made a silly meds mistake (patient was unharmed thank god) but that was it I went on the sick and haven’t nursed since. I do work, I am reaching the end of my tether with it though so have signed up up do a masters and hope to change careers. I can’t give up work as I am a single parent now!

Do it! Save your sanity sweetie!

Yes I have. I worked as a care assistant and although this was a rewarding job I found it extremely stressful and a lot of pressure from management and seniors. I am instead going to university in September and doing another course alongside this.

@Teesstar thank you, your comment made me feel so much better. I made a mistake too which tipped me over and then went on sick. I can’t stop beating myself up about (but this is a problem I have to address in all aspects of my life).

I realise how pathetic I am sounding btw! Praying I feel some mental relief from this soon x

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to respond. It really helps hearing other perspectives x

Yes yes and yes. Educate yourself out and above .This year has made me realise i love teaching and hate performance management instigated by 'couldn't know less' types

Yes I did nearly three years ago. HR Director was a control freak and a bully. He’s left now funnily enough. I quit without a job to go to which was risky at the time but DH and I discussed what we’d do if I didn’t find something. Best decision I ever made and got a new job which I love, and still loving it three years later. Sending you

I'm another who has done this and would do it again in a heartbeat!
I started my new job just before lockdown and have essentially had to learn my new role remotely but I'm still 1000x happier and less stressed than I was at the last place
My only advice OP would be to make sure you still seek help to manage/address your mental health and help you identify some coping mechanisms so that you can tackle things quickly should it rear it's ugly head again in the future.

Yes. I'm off sick with work related stress and am also a nurse so can relate!

Definitely yes. I did and it worked out. If you can't afford to right now then make a plan to. Good luck

Yes I did.

I needed to find another job before I could leave the toxic environment but it was well worth it.

I knew it was awful and affecting me very negatively but I hadn’t realised quite how much until I left and started with my new team. Best decision I’ve made in a very long time.

@sickofnickelodeon @Maranello4 thanks for your positive stories.

@WrackspurtsAndNargles62442 yes one benefit to come out of this it has made me realise how much I needed more support. I have refused any for years but have finally started counselling! Even though my Employment Assistance Programme was a complete letdown, my union have been amazing

Yes . I did.i felt I was heading for a nervous breakdown if I didn't.I took a few months off and got a job in a similar role but without the pressure.I love my job now.

Am about to do this. Will be working longer hours for not much more money but I can't carry on in my current job without my mental health spiraling down. There is a very strange dynamic caused by one person in my present job that affects everyone. I wouldn't be surprised if many more of us head off before long. The management are aware of the problem and refuse to do anything about it.

I'm considering it right now. Just don’t know if the money is worth the misery anymore...