Should I do this? Meeting with employer

[GerardNoWay]

Probably need to add a bit of context to this.

About five months ago I had a breakdown. I was signed off sick from work and was under mental health services and receiving support. This was over about 4-5 weeks. As a result of this I made the decision to leave my job, which was very demanding along with a long commute.

A few weeks later I felt stronger and better so applied for a few jobs and very quickly was offered another job. This was closer to home, in a different sector, and I thought it was my fresh start.

A week ago I relapsed and have been signed off sick again. I am, again, under mental health services and my medication has been changed. My current employer is aware of my previous MH problems and has been very supportive thus far.

So it comes to now, with a week left off sick. The thought of returning to work makes me feel so anxious, it's debilitating. I very much think I have put myself under too much strain again so soon and I am not mentally resilient enough at present to continue in that role (job includes working with challenging individuals).

I know this is my fault for jumping in with both feet again before I was ready. I feel a duty to my employer not to string this out, but I don't know how I should approach it. I really enjoy working in the role, so I thought maybe I should set up a meeting with my manager to discuss my current situation and perhaps find out if there is another role for me within the company that I might be more suited to. My concern is that in doing this I put my head on the guillotine, as such, as they may just give me my marching orders as I'm still in my probation period.

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated as I cannot fathom how I am going to get through this.

So early in you employment, you need to be open and honest with them. You are right that they could decide to part company with you, any time up until 2 years. Hence you have nothing to lose by telling them what is happening, and your proposal for a different role.

My concern is, with 2 changes of role (your previous company and now this role) how will it resolve your problem to change into yet another role.

Presumably you have Fit Note/s from your GP. If so, you need to ensure your employer has those and is fully appraised of your health situation. They may take the view that your current fragile state is not a good time to change, but it depends if they have a vacancy that's suitable. You can only ask.

You need an open dialogue with your employer. Would it perhaps be possible to look into a job share and reduce your working hours?

Unless you speak to them frankly you won't know what your options are. They may ask you to leave, they may not but your mental health is the most important thing.

Be honest with them! Look at all the options before stepping away. Look at reducing your hours. Staged return. Changing aspects of your role for the short term while you build yourself back up.

More change at the moment and the worry of no job, too much time to think and then the stress of finding another job might not be a good move. It would also be the cycle starting again.

Yes talk to your manager - I did the same for an employee recently and completely changed her role for her as she couldn’t cope, and I was able to change her job ... see what they can do for you - good luck