change of career

[Ecclesiastical]

hello, really looking for some support at the moment. Been struggling recently with symptoms and I’m so so tired all the time. I work 30 hours a week in the NHS, most of the time lone working but the job is so busy that it seems to be making my symptoms worse, I’m also experiencing really bad anxiety. Can anyone relate? Anyone found anything that helps. I’ve dropped a band and contracted hours and the job is actually busier that what I was doing previously. I’ve had alot of different jobs and sickness in the last few years and I’m so so tired

[emeraldlove]

Hi lovely.

I had to quit my job due to my endometriosis because when I get a flare up the pain is so bad it takes over my whole train of thought and I can’t concentrate on anything but the pain!!

I was a hairdresser and standing around did not help at all. I’m yet to find a career to suit me due to always being in pain. I’ve applied for lots of remote jobs though so I can work from home as it’s easier with the pain.

I hope you find something more suited to you , don’t over work yourself ❤️

[Jen82]

Did you speak to HR and your manager about reasonable adjustments? Endometriosis is ca disability under the Equality Act as its a chronic health condition. I'm struggling with my work but have made progress with reasonable adjustments including flexible working. If I go into the office then I don't have to be in there for the 9am start but can come in by 9.30am for example

[Loveneige]

I feel you on this one. I've gradually cut my hours to roughly 18 hours over 3 days. I am now finding with increased pain and being low iron I cant share my energy between work and home. Im a single mum and am finding I can't do all the home jobs and work. I work in childcare so it's very physical. Maybe there is a job out there for us. I would hate to quit work as I feel I've failed.

[Purple_Badgers]

Bless you, this is a difficult one! As mentioned by Jen82, hopefully there are some adjustments that can be made to your current job that will lift some of the physical and mental pressure you’re under. It sounds as if you could have done with staying in the higher band, but having those hours reduced, ensuring that you don’t work solo, and generally being granted some flexibility to help you carry on.

In my experience of working in NHS admin for many years, unfortunately the NHS often seems like one of the worst places to work in terms of protecting the health of staff members - physically, mentally and emotionally demanding and with inflexible schedules & unsympathetic management…

I was able to give up working, as my partner is able to support us and I claim PIP due to the effects of endometriosis. I tried to go back to work after recovering from an operation, but I was in too much pain and too tired to continue. I thought about going part time, but it wouldn’t have helped much - I would still be excessively tired earlier or later in the day and would still be in too much pain to concentrate (made worse by the fact that I couldn’t take the good/strong painkillers, as I would have been too drowsy to drive to work!).

Though it’s a huge relief not having to struggle with work, it’s also been a huge adjustment to make. I now feel guilty about how little I can contribute at home, and I do miss my colleagues and clients. I’ve tried to think of ways to make an income that I could manage, but everything I’ve found would require a commitment that I just can’t make because my health isn’t up to it.

I guess the key to you staying in work will be looking in detail at what you can and can’t do, then what practical things your management can put in place to address your specific needs. (Not just the “quick fix” of reducing your hours and pay, which hasn’t really helped you.) Failing that, perhaps you will be able to find something completely different, more flexible, that will suit you. Either way, I wish you the best of luck xxx

[LlamaG]

I can empathise entirely.In June, I lost a job I loved simply because they couldn't support me in having 1 day off a week to complete a Pain Management Program.

That's the second job I've lost in 4 years - as a direct result of my endo.

I've recently started in a new role where there is far more flexibility to work remotely more frequently which I'm hoping will help me manage my symptoms when they're at the worst.

Having said that, the extreme fatigue had reduced almost entirely whilst I was our of work. 2 week's into the new role and it's back. I'm wondering whether working part time would be better for me health wise but I'm reluctant to try it purely because of the knock on impacts to my income.

It's a really shitty position we find ourselves in, with little support available to help us stay in work.

I wish you the best of luck in finding something that suits you. X