Starting new job on Monday, having major second thoughts

[cantdoitttt]

I work in communications, and left my previous job due to poor mental health. I had some time off sick last year (2 months) due to my mental health, and after trying to make it work for over a year I handed in my notice. I applied to a few jobs during my notice period, some roles outside of communications and some the same roles to what I was doing.

I ended up getting a job offer for the same role that I was doing, and after discussing it with the people in my life I decided to take it thinking that maybe a new company and a fresh start would be good, and I'd already know the ropes of the role.

Since accepting the offer I've started to have doubts. I've met my future line manager and team, and they all seem nice. However, as my first day has approached I've found myself dreading it more and more.

I feel like I know what's to come. The anxiety, stress, dread. The deadlines and demanding clients, the high workloads. The pressure to do hours of work as quickly as possible due to tight budgets.

My mental health is sinking again. I don't feel strong enough or resilient enough to start a new job.

It's just nerves of starting a new job. You'll be fine. If you don't give it a go you'll sink deeper.
Just because the pressure was unbearable at your old job doesn't mean this one will be the same.
See how you get on, if you're finding it tough after a month then you can make a decision on what you want to do.
But you've got this.

At least give it a chance. You might love it once you're settled in. If not, leave.

i say give it a try- it’s understandable you’re nervous but I think you owe it to yourself to see how it goes. The longer you leave it the harder it will be to get back into work.
if it’s really not for you or you feel you cannot cope you don’t have to stay

I have done the same job for different firms. My current firm has made it like a whole new job and I'm so happy here. It's all about the people I find and hopefully the people will make the difference for you OP.

Good luck!

You know yourself.

I would hate a job like communications, way too much pressure for my personality. I fit better in back office roles.

Personally, I would look to change the type of job you're in. Try to find something that doesn't have high profile deadlines or "clients".

You could even go part time for a while to ease yourself back in?

Are you seeking help for your mental health?

Totally natural to feel like that. You need to push through and try it. I always say that people leave a job for a reason. Remember why you left in the first place. Good luck x

I left the job because I struggled with the role, I don't know why I applied for the same role in a different company I guess the idea of the familiarity was what caused me to apply. So the issue hasn't been solved.

I've pushed through these feelings in the past, and it didn't make me stronger or anything. It just led me to complete burnt out.

I'd give it a few months then see whether you like it. Work is about lots of things eg the people etc so you may end up loving it. 3 months of your life is nothing. Then leave if you hate it.

The culture may be different in the new firm. Not every agency will overwork their staff. Use the probation period to find out if this new place is the right fit. If not, you can find something new. In-house comms tends to be more straightforward than agency.

Are you in house or agency?