Job role downgrade

[MarkJT]

Hi everyone. I am thinking of requesting a regrade of my current job role because I am finding it too stressful and difficult to manage with my lupus (my main symptoms are fatigue and brain fog - my employer has been good and I have a couple of reasonable adjustments in place but I still find it hard). I know that this will involve a reduction in salary but I was wondering whether any of you had any experience of this? In particular, I am interested in how it may have affected your self esteem. Thank you and keep well.

[GlasgowHen]

Hi, not quite the same situation but I thought I would share my experience in case it helps in any way.

I went from full time to part time. I have a very busy job and carry a lot of responsibility. I knew going part time would mean a change of location and certain responsibilities being handed to someone else. Like you I really had a problem with concentration and in particular I struggled in the afternoons.

It was the best thing I could have done. The reduced responsibility was great for starters, less stress and it helped me pace myself. I didn’t miss all the additional responsibility I used to have to deal with. At the same time as managing my work situation I looked at my personal life and what I could change as I was just so tired and just couldn’t do it all. I took a pay drop but I just adjusted my spending accordingly.

I think my self esteem increased with doing hours I could manage to be honest. I always felt I wasn’t doing my job properly but now I can do it well and go home just after lunch knowing I’m not over extending myself. Good luck in your decision, it’s a tough one to make

[MarkJT in reply to GlasgowHen]

Thank you for the reply, rolybear, that's very helpful.

[Apricot100]

Hi Mark,

A slightly different example but I am freelance however a few years ago accepted a role as a director at a large company. It was fulltime and hugely stressful, i am sole carer during the week for my 2 young children as well, and it all coincided with the start of my lupus - medics say it the stress of it brought my lupus forward. I collapsed at work, couldn't sleep, was in tears etc, but still kept going. My boss was not understanding and clearly expressed her annoyance at my fatigue and brain fog (you are super lucky with your employers) When i eventually handed my notice in and went back to freelance, then reduced my freelancing hours, the positive impact was amazing. I was able to care for myself, have more headspace for family etc and, although the damage had been done, I was not declining at such a rapid rate.

My self esteem had not been affected- that 'big' role is something I know I could have done were it not for lupus. But for the sake of my health, it wasn't right.

100% take the offer and take care x

[MarkJT in reply to Apricot100]

Thanks for the reply Apricot100, it's much appreciated.

[Lizziequink]

Hi Mark. Again a different scenario as I started working for myself on a consultancy basis using the experience I had gained during my 'working' life. Admittedly I jumped ship prior to the more serious health issues, but after the initial RA diagnosis. To begin with I probably worked harder over more hours working for myself but it did mean that I was able to reduce my hours over time as my health issues got worse. There's no way I could work for the company I left with the situation as it is now but I'm still working although I'm past my official retirement age and find it works for me. I can be as flexible as I want as long as I get the assignments done.

I will depend on the kind of job you do though and I was very fortunate to work in a sector that values the skills and experience I bring to them. Before I took the step into the unknown I took time to look at the transferrable skills I had and where I could 'sell' them. If you look at your skills from a lateral perspective, you may come up with some valuable and unexpected ideas.

I'd love to hear how you get on and would be happy to help out if can (no charge!!!). Best wishes, Liz

[MarkJT in reply to Lizziequink]

Thanks for the reply Liz, much appreciated. I may just take you up on your kind offer

[Lizziequink in reply to MarkJT]

You're very welcome Mark. Any way I can help, even just as a sounding board, let me know

[Sarah74]

As a coincidece today I have just recevied an amended contract of emploment taking me from 5 days to 4. I have requested this from my employer at the advice of my consultant. I have had quite a bad year and a lot of time off sick. I have worked full time for 25 years as a loss adjuster which is quite stressfull both physically and mentally. Its taken me a while to come to terms with it as I wanted to head higher inthe ranks, eanr more money etc. But I am at the point now where I'm so exhaused I ni longer am enjoying my job.

I have accepted that my life was not meant to go that way and I am now looking forward to a long weekend, hoping to be es tired and enjoy time with friends and family. Good luck

[MarkJT]

Thanks for the reply Sarah, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense and it helps to know that others like you have made the same decision.

[Hamptons]

I chose to go p/t last year after struggling more and more and starting to hate my job as it exhausted me. My boss was brilliant and I also got a day admin at home. It has been amazing. Feel a new woman, health so much better for less stress. I get jealous when people go over me cos I know I could do those roles but then remember why I did it and how my personal life is so much better and people around me worry less which makes me feel better too.

Have to decide which is more important less responsibility but knowing you do what you do well, are less ill and have balance or the sense of value you get from your role.

[MarkJT]

Thanks Hamptons, your reply makes a lot of sense and has also helped me to crystallize things in my mind.

[maggielee]

Hi Mark

It ia a process getting chronic diseases & I am still going through stages trying to find a work, home & health balance...

I admit that there are days if I didn't have to go to work, I would have gladly rested more in bed. Sometimes I break through the tiredness & other days I wish I could not be at work....or work less..as I am struggling...

I ended cutting down (or working back up after long illness) to 33 hours a week with a late start which helped me...

I am not sure if I need to reduce my hours even more as this can be hard some weeks with commute on top & I need time to make health appointments etc.

I have also working to get a qualification in order to get an increase in my salary as well (all part of the job). I am getting nearer to completing it & it will mean the world to me to achieve as a lifetime goal.

So I live a very week to week existance - balancing both home & work...frustrated when I just need rest & accepting that I have to take rest or be worse off not too.

Family sympathise, but don't always understand that they need to step up when I need to rest.

So great understanding on your decision making & great to read about how others are managing too& their decisions...

Wishing you well in finding your work/life balance...ml

[MarkJT in reply to maggielee]

Thanks for your reply maggielee, much appreciated. And good luck with getting the qualification you're working for.

[maggielee in reply to MarkJT]

Just thinking about your decision making process & just wanted to note that through mine process & having foggy brain, especially studying for exams, I found that getting more medication really help & I have less foggy brain now, unless I overdo it or it's the end of the day.

Also, gradually phase up my work hours & rebuilding stamina did also make a difference. So I feel fitter then when I pushed myself into exhaustion & took time off both physically & mentally. I am not quite back to where I was as the diseases progressed, but, a marked improvement. It is a good reflection for me too to write this to you, as we go through our various & fluctuating/progressive illnesses...

& to answer your question, it is hard on our self-esteem, especially as it takes a toll on us & our wellbeing & impact on our mental health can be part of our illness/es..

Wishing you well. ml

[MarkJT in reply to maggielee]

Thanks maggielee, this is helpful. It's difficult to explain to people how lupus can make you feel because there are no visible or obvious signs and it's very unpredictable. Just this weekend, I had to cancel going to a gig I had bought a ticket for

[maggielee in reply to MarkJT]

Sorry to hear you were not up to going out...I am hesitant to travel long distances by air with juggling work & the possibility of it taking to much of a toll on me on my return...maybe more planning...

I hope everything works out for you & you get a chance to still enjoy music soon...😊ml