A huge leap of faith.

[Alan Harper's Tash]

53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.

We obviously have had a few ding dongs on here, but what you’re feeling now is far more important than our bickering.

You've made the first step by recognising the issue and had the courage to put it on here.

@domalino and @mackenzie have both suggested a really good approach that you could take, but I’d be ringing your doctor and getting a sick note starting Monday. No job or situation is worth damaging your mental health for.

I know I wouldn’t be your choice of person to chat things through with, but feel I should offer to listen anyway, so the offer is there.

This could be the first step in a positive change where you find a job that’s less stressful and hopefully more rewarding too. You’ve said a few times that work is shit and maybe this is the thing that makes you try something different.

Anyway, take care of yourself.

 

[Citizen of Legoland]

Went contracting ten years ago in my mid-forties. It’s great not having all that office politics to worry about and the pay is much better. I have considered finishing completely but I get work quite easily (didn’t even have an interview for my current gig) and have only had one long break between contracts of 3 months. Usually I’m out for 1 or 2 months max. It’s a bit erratic not knowing when you’ll get time off though. The only issue is if I end up out for more than 12 months I’ll probably struggle to get back in, so will just accept retirement at that point.

 

[MCFC Wirral]

It was a joke but neither are known for flamboyant football

I felt Warnock’s team always fought. There were calls for him at City when we were in free fall under Coppell or Neal.

 

[pride in battle]

I believe we all should take a risk in life , always have a plan b made though , i left a well paid job with computer, car , phone etc and set up my own business , best thing i ever did

Not working when you are healthy is a great thing to do , especially if your mental health is suffering , good luck to him

What business did you set up ?

 

[paulchapo]

We obviously have had a few ding dongs on here, but what you’re feeling now is far more important than our bickering.

You've made the first step by recognising the issue and had the courage to put it on here.

@domalino and @mackenzie have both suggested a really good approach that you could take, but I’d be ringing your doctor and getting a sick note starting Monday. No job or situation is worth damaging your mental health for.

I know I wouldn’t be your choice of person to chat things through with, but feel I should offer to listen anyway, so the offer is there.

This could be the first step in a positive change where you find a job that’s less stressful and hopefully more rewarding too. You’ve said a few times that work is shit and maybe this is the thing that makes you try something different.

Anyway, take care of yourself.

Great advice. See you can be nice......lol!

 

[paulchapo]

Something else I'd like to add which I mentioned in a similar thread on here about retirement, is this.
I saw quite a number of people working extra shifts, pushing themselves, compromising their principles etcetera for this retirement utopia they were going to live at the end. Many didn't make it, or their partner died before they did, so it was all for nothing. Seize the day as the saying goes.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

I got out in my early fifties.
My mental health was such that I got early retirement. Long story, won’t bore you with it.
Wondered at the time how the hell we’d manage but it wasn’t as hard as feared. No daily commute, getting rid of the second car etc. saved a fortune.
Looking back it’s the best thing I ever did.
Never feel bored. Not enough hours in the day for what we want to do and now we have no mortgage, the kids have left home and we get workplace and state pensions we probably have more disposable income than we ever had before.

 

[Paladin]

53 and I think I experienced my first panic attack this morning, such is the dread and depression I’m feeling over my work.

I’m sat here now and I literally can’t function. I simply don’t know what I can do.

For those thinking of jacking it in for something completely different.

Current job openings - UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

Job openings at UK Antarctic Heritage Trust

careers.ukaht.org

 

[flook]

Went contracting ten years ago in my mid-forties. It’s great not having all that office politics to worry about and the pay is much better. I have considered finishing completely but I get work quite easily (didn’t even have an interview for my current gig) and have only had one long break between contracts of 3 months. Usually I’m out for 1 or 2 months max. It’s a bit erratic not knowing when you’ll get time off though. The only issue is if I end up out for more than 12 months I’ll probably struggle to get back in, so will just accept retirement at that point.

Worked contract for 33 years, never out more than a week in that time and had some contracts that ran for 7+ years, no idea why everyone doesn't do it, the extra pay helped me retire (or become economically inactive as HMG like to group me) 9 years early. As you say, leaving office politics behind is a massive bonus

 

[paulchapo]

I got out in my early fifties.
My mental health was such that I got early retirement. Long story, won’t bore you with it.
Wondered at the time how the hell we’d manage but it wasn’t as hard as feared. No daily commute, getting rid of the second car etc. saved a fortune.
Looking back it’s the best thing I ever did.
Never feel bored. Not enough hours in the day for what we want to do and now we have no mortgage, the kids have left home and we get workplace and state pensions we probably have more disposable income than we ever had before.

Yes it was a breeze for me but I guess I'd prepared for it by paying off the mortgage and boosting my savings. It was still a deep breath moment when I handed my three months notice in though.