Returned to work and the office

[CallumR85]

Following my accident last October, I returned back to work in January. I work in an office job for a massive company and they have been great working with me and working out a phased return to suit my needs. Throughout covid I have been working from home and my phased return has been 4 hours a day. The 4 hours a day really does feel like I have worked for 12hours and I am absolutely knackered by the end of it. The announcement was made that we would be phasing back into the office from this week just gone until we are working 3 days in the office and 2 days at home. My manager told me that I can continue to work from home for as long as I wanted but I decided I wanted to test the water and I worked my 4 hour shift in the office yesterday, Friday.

As I'm not allowed to drive, I decided to walk to work. I have to say as I was getting closer my anxiety was through the roof but lucky for me I ran into a close friend just as I reached the main door and that really made me feel at ease. I wasn't worried about questions that colleagues would have for me but more about if I was going to cope with the noise as my hearing is super sensitive. I also suffer with slured speech and start to walk like I've had a skin full when I start to get tired, the thought of my colleagues seeing me like that made me feel sick. Thankfully the day was a success. Myself and my team sat in a really quiet area, the centre was only at 20% capacity so worked out really good. My team where super respectful when speaking to me as I had made them aware of my issues processing information if more than one person is speaking. Although my head was pounding by the end of the day, I had a fantastic day and I am so glad I went in. One day a week I feel I can manage but once the centre is at full capacity and noise levels go up it might be different and I might need to find new ways of working.

Although I know I still have a long road a head of me, days like yesterday give me hope that one day I might be able to say I love my life again the way I did before the accident. For those who are waiting to take the first step back to work, it's easier than you think. Be honest with yourself and those around you. 😊

[Lynd]

Great news that you had a good day.I think informing colleagues of your needs will help a lot.

[Tebbs55]

Thanks an inspiration to read

[Crazychickangel]

Well done. Thsts a huge step!

[xek6]

That is so reassuring! You replied to me about my concern about returning to the office - I'm glad it went well for you

[JULIETstevens]

We'll done on your return to work. Your work sounds supportive. Mine isn't so I have to accept I'm not a solicitor, no but I am now something I'm even more proud of - a. TBi survivor. You are too

[CallumR85 in reply to JULIETstevens]

Hi Juliet, I hope you are doing well? My work had been as supportive as they knew how but I've ended up handing in my notice as even at that, they never quite knew what to do with me. I think it's the hidden illness part, I look fine so they think I am fine and the lack of understanding. I get it and thought I would go just now and luckily I managed to find a new job much more equipped to support me and my new ways of working. I'm leaving on good terms so I'm happy. I was reading your bio and it sounds like you have been through the mill and sorry to hear your work was not as supportive. It sounds like you are embracing the challenges you have faced and doing good with it by putting it to paper, good on you. I wish you all the best with that and will look out for your book once you let us know when it's published and out there.

[JULIETstevens]

Ahhh, thanks Callum. Life is good now. I hope you are finding happiness too?