Hi,
I am working a lot of rubbish hours at the moment and until I find something else I am stuck with them. Working nights every other week (2 at a time x 13hrs) and late shifts/early shifts and weekends. Not having much of a family life and feeling under pressure as I am the main earner and, if I had to quit, we would struggle big time financially (not good when we have 2 kids to support). We'd probably lose our house if I left. Lots of staff leaving/on long term sick, so it is making it harder and harder for the rest of us.
Anyway, I have stopped having periods (6 months now) and I am not quite at menopausal age (I'm early 40's) and, for the last few weeks, I have been feeling very uncomfortable in that I sort of feel 'nervous' all the time when I'm sat still. That feeling like you are about to go on stage and have butterflies and throat closes up a bit and irregular heartbeat. It is keeping me awake at times. I am struggling to get myself in normal day mode after each set of nightshifts. Feel jet lagged a LOT!
Do you think my work is connected to my symptoms? We have only done nights etc. for a year as it was forced on us (NHS). My job is not stressful as such, I enjoy it and am good at it but the workload has steadily increased and hours are rubbish now (compared to what they were when I started).
I am desperately trying to get out of the NHS (don't want to but know my family and myself are suffering) but struggling to find something I'd like and something that will pay well.