poor work history - trying to change careers - lack of motivation

[Nick9075]

I am 37 and from the USA. I have been diagnosed with depression and ADHD. currently on medication but many days I feel flat, no emotion and no motivation just floating thru life.

My career has been a disaster - fired from many jobs (temp and perm) and feel close to unemployable. I own a business absentee in NYC (where I am from) but want to get back in the working world.

I studied accounting & finance in college and got my degree back in 1997 and masters in 2005 but everything went downhill with undiagnosed depression, negative thoughts and poor performance..

[LittleMissBennet]

Hi Nick,

I am sorry to hear that you are in such a difficult predicament at the moment and are feeling so low. I know how you feel - I have depression and anxiety and it has played havoc with my employment history. I've recently graduated from university and had a well-paid job all lined up but I only lasted three months before I became really ill and am now having to start from scratch again.

At the moment it sounds as though you need to focus on 'you' rather than 'your career'. I know that is easier said than done because people said the same thing to me (!) but it did help. I'm still struggling but I'm now in a position to look at my options without feeling like the whole world is against me. Your educational history clearly indicates you are a hard-working and high-achieving individual and these qualities have not left you - they are merely 'in hiding' whilst depression takes up so much of your energy. Do NOT beat yourself up over this; it is not your fault. When you start to make that upward trend towards getting well you will notice the old 'you' re-emerging and probably with some additional positive changes. Depression is absolutely horrible and still so misunderstood and, yes, it has messed up my career plans, but I wouldn't be the person I am today without it - it's taught me about resilience, fight, patience, pain and has shown me how much the people around me love me and will always fight alongside me if they can.

I have days where I cannot see the point of getting out of bed. Then I beat myself up over not being more proactive about over-coming this illness and getting a job. But now I try to think 'It's ok to have some time off in order to feel better. Today I'll just do simple tasks and stay indoors. If I feel a little better tomorrow, that's when it'll be a good time to do those harder tasks because I'm more likely to accomplish them'.

Best wishes

Little Miss Bennet

[CarolineLondon]

Um this post is a year old. If you get this would you please let me know if you're still unemployed? And what has happened in the meantime? If you dont mind sharing.

[CarolineLondon]

Um this post is a year old. If you get this would you please let me know if you're still unemployed? And what has happened in the meantime? If you dont mind sharing.