Change job due to anxiety

Hi Kathy.

I've responded to work related stress posts before because I feel very strongly about how serious it is.

One of the biggest causes of stress (and a leading reason for being signed off from work by a GP) is work related stress.

Be it your job role, work load or colleagues (or both,) if your work environment is toxic then you really have only a few options.

First and most importantly you need a plan. Do not just suffer say in day out not knowing what to do or where to go.

Think of the job YOU want and how you could achieve this.

It helps to write it out as a plan and/or talk it through with a friend or loved one.

Secondly, think of why your work is stressful. Write this down also so that you can physically see it.

Now you know what your future plan is...you also know WHY you are unhappy at work.

Dependant on the issue, some people can remain at their place of work until the next option comes available and then they leave.

For others it is simply too much...if this is the case then please do not feel ashamed...there is no shame in self preservation.

If remaining at your work will impact upon your health both mentally and physically then you are better off being signed off from your GP and walking away.

No one is ever stuck...we just feel we are sometimes. You have options, you just need to explore them.

Be kind to yourself during this stressful time.

I wish you the best of luck.

Hello Kathy,

I know how you feel. My job has been the root cause of my stress and depression. It's such a toxic, negative environment and I know the feeling of entrapment well. We build up our comfort zones so much and stepping into the unknown is very difficult, often a massive anxiety driver in itself. Probably why we endure this torture day in and day out! - The worst part is that feeling as you do now, you doubt yourself and you're ability with regards to doing something else!

Had you spoken to your employers about how you feel or is there anyway of moving departments or something? Just maybe for some immediate relief.

In an ideal world we could just quit, but think of the financial stress. That would add a whole new dimension to the health problems alone, if you really need to leave ASAP get signed off and protect your job / some income at least. You really need to weight up what you can afford to do.

Getting signed off is the better option, give yourself 2 weeks or a month to de-stress. Clear work from your mind and focus on setting objectives to improve your future.

If you feel overwhelmed at the prospect of job hunting maybe because you simply don't know what you want to do, I’d suggest going to a job centre. Even speaking to a career advisor just to get you're CV on track and narrow down some fields to search will help dramatically. Just do something so that it re-assures you that change is in motion and you are not stuck.

Sillymop has listed some excellent points, many of the below has helped me dramatically over the past few months.

Work doesn't seem as bad when you are always thinking of the next possible way of change.

Just remember not to put pressure on yourself to find a new job instantly. Job hunting should be done a few hours a day, you might find nothing for a week or two then stubble onto something which sounds ideal - don't get disheartened in the meantime.

Make time to enjoy yourself and de-stress again as well. It's the little things that make the biggest difference.