Hi, my name is Catwoman2! Any words of wisdom for starting ill health retirement process?

Catwoman2

hello everyone I’m new to this forum.

I’m applying for medical retirement. Because I am struggling to work full-time. I don't know whether it is best to voluntarily reduce my hours to show I cannot work more than 30 hours or be sick for some of the day to support my well-being. Preventing a decline that I will struggle to get out from.

I have a meeting with my boss tomorrow and a meeting with OH to start the process this week.

My job is very unusual and I won’t be able to do that job for any other organisation.

Any words of wisdom much appreciated.

Holly_Scope

Hi @Catwoman2 welcome to the forum. Sorry you've not had a response yet. How did the meeting with your boss go? Hopefully you were able to talk through options and they've given you plenty of support so you can make the best decision for you. 💛

TDB

Accept your life is going to change, you are going to lose structure, purpose and routine. This may depress you for a while. But, remember we only have one life and one body, if you run it down to empty, your quality of life would be worse.

I have to factor in medical and GP appointments, these are not a bad thing, you can be honest about the realities of feeling fed up or in pain. They arevyou new long-distance colleagues.

You don't owe explanations to anyone, I learnt that too late.

Try and rest as required, eat well, take your meds, keep in contact with good friends and just be.

Once, you feel a bit better then you can dip into libraries, regular physical activity i.e. walks, possibly volunteering if you want to. Don't let anyone say, now you have time… Just tell them your busy or working from home.

Best of luck, Summer is coming!

Catwoman2

thanks you that is so helpful. I will copy this and look at it regularly thank you. It is very strange navigating not working having been full time all my working life. But I’m hopeful for the future. What ever form it takes health is now the centre of my mission. I should have done this a few years ago instead of limping on contributing to the decline. Always learning.

Wibbles

I have gone through the IHR procedure 4 times with different employers – first time was compulsory….. I appealed and eventually was reinstated. Second and third times, it was my choice – I won enhanced on both – fourth time – it was my choice and after a seemingly never-ending procedure, I won enhanced again.