Returning to work after 12 years.

Thunderfinch

Hi.
I left work in 2009 due to PTSD and a range of other mental health issues. I got it into my head two years ago that I was well enough to go back to work, so kept applying to Government jobs. Failing interviews and carrying on. Never expecting to get a job. I've now been offered a role and don't know what to do.

I feel stuck. The money is very good, and will make a real difference to my family, something I feel guilty at not providing. But, I am worried that I'm just setting myself up to fail! Deep down, I don't feel ready, but don't know if it's just my nerves talkingHas anyone, any experience of going back to work after such a long time? How did you know you were ready?

Thanks

leeCal

I had this once After around eight years. What I did was take a chance and went back to work, within hours it was as though I’d never been off work! When I made up my mind I decided that if I couldn’t handle it I would simply say so and leave so I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

there is one thing I’d add however, it’s a mistake to judge yourself by what you do for a living, ie as a job. We’re more than that.

Tori_Scope

This isn't something that's happened to me @Thunderfinch, so I can't offer any advice in that sense, but I hope some of our members who've been through this will be able to share some knowledge on this, as leecal has done

Have you thought about whether any reasonable adjustments (Scope) could help you to manage working life, if you were to take the job? 

Are you receiving any support for your mental health at the moment, such as from a therapist or mental health support worker? If you have access to a mental health professional who's familiar with your situation, it could be worth taking through your reservations with them, too. You could also try speaking to your family about it to see if they have any thoughts. It's your decision to make of course, but hearing other people's perspectives can sometimes be helpful.