Is it possible someone would employ me?

[Greengage45]

I am early 50s and had a huge nervous breakdown at work in the most awful circumstances. It is a year on and I am now fairly functional again but have some continued cognitive issues so I don't think I can work at my previous level. I also have sick leave on my record. Is there anyway I could get another job? If so, what would be the best way? I can't afford to never work again but I can't imagine anyone wanting to employ me. Any ideas or inspiring stories?

Would it be worth contacting the careers advice service ? Good luck op.

Well done on getting to the ‘fairly functional’ stage after 1 year OP. I have a friend in her early 40s who had a breakdown and was out of work for around 3 years (including covid which made it harder to start again). She ended up going back to a similar line of work with similar responsibility levels, just in a much nicer company.
It might feel impossible now, but think about how far you have come in a year. If it feels too daunting now, you might need a little more time. Good luck!

Thank you - that is a very kind message

Could you do something totally different, maybe temporary or a year or two, eg treat it sort of like a gap year or sabbatical and maybe work in a totally different field? Maybe something that fulfils you like charity work or a less senior role in a field you’ve always had an interest in? Something good for the soul and that will help you rest and recover mentally while still earning some money to see you through?

I don't know if you have organisations locally that support people who have had mental health issues back into work - locally here we have The Richmond Fellowship. Also there is a psychology service which has an employment support section.

I've just returned to work after 15 months off. I had operations for arthritis in my hands and the right hand didn't go to plan leaving me with a long recovery, unable to write even my own name. I started volunteering in a charity shop and was very honest about my limitations. After a few weeks the paid sales assistant quit and they asked me to apply then gave me the job. Its not easy getting back into work after a long time signed off but it's possible. The job centre referred me to the Restart scheme and an organisation called Realise Futures then helped me, there will be something similar near you.

Thank you those are all great ideas

In addition to these ideas, I don't know what your previous roles were or if you want to go back to that sort of thing, but you might think about apprenticeships. They are no longer the preserve of young people, and whilst they may not be the best paid employment, they are also a good way of getting some stability back and getting a foot in the door. Public sector organisations, for example, do a lot of them, and are likley to be very much more inclined towards giving people a chance to prove themselves, change direction, etc; and increasingly these are the only route into the public sector. Age is less of a factor as well in many such roles.

Have you thought about temping? I've done it when I've been at a career crossroads/fired/made redundant. One assignment led to 7 years permanent work.

It’s not clear whether you want to stay in the same field of work, or whether you have the inclination (and energy!) to do something entirely different?

Understandably you’re not contemplating giving up work altogether but could you afford a year off? Perhaps taking a course to prepare for a new route?

I do empathise. After the beginnings of a highflying career someone I know spent a long time in the doldrums through illness. And then did an MA, at around your age, in a completely unrelated area. Wonderful, revivifying experience. You may already have more qualifications than you can count - but it’s a great way to make a fresh start.

Would volunteering help to rebuild your confidence?try doit.life/volunteer

Thanks this has really cheered me up. I really like the idea that there are specialist agencies that may be able to help if I can't manage a restart on my own or return to what I was doing before. And that I may be able to take more time. I am doing some volunteering for now but will also look at the temping.

Some local branches of Mind offer support with returning to employment. And if they don’t then they’d likely know who does in your area. Good luck!