I've started a new job, thinking maybe I've taken on to much, beginning to feel overwhelmed with everything new I have to learn.

[susan17]

Hi there, just needed to chat - This is my second week in a new medical receptionist job, 21 hours a week. So much to learn, right now its 5:30am, I can't sleep, mind on overdrive, therefore will be shattered tomorrow. Don't know if I am going to be able to remember everything I am being shown, brain fog, headache every night. I want to work, the money helps, don't know if I'm going to manage though, feelings of letting people down again!!!! Husband, family and me. I don't start until 2:00pm every day but have been sleeping most of the morning, exhausted.com. Was really excited about getting and starting a new job too. Thanks for listening.

[Karula]

Hi susan17

I think starting a new job is stressful for everyone and it's normal to worry if you are going to remember everything as there is always so much to learn about a new job, so don't put added pressure on yourself by worrying about it. I am sure your new work colleagues all felt the same when they started, granted they may not have Lupus but by worrying so much about it you will not help your Lupus and please stop worrying about letting people down, you are working and trying and thats all you can ask of yourself so stop putting added pressure on yourself, be kind to yourself, focus on the positive that you have a job and that you were excited about it; if you need to rest a little more in the mornings then so be it, don't see that as a negative, look upon it as building up steam for your new exciting job.

The most important thing is be proud of yourself for trying and be kind to yourself.

Let us know how the job goes and take care.

[DaleDiva]

I agree with Karula, starting a new job is stressful anyway. Give yourself time to settle into a routine and if you are able to lie in before you start work then do it. Your new colleagues will not be judging you, they will just assume you are settling in to a new job. I work at the same job co-incidently but I finish work at 2pm! Then I go home and rest. If you can manage you will probably find like I have that you find a routine that suits you. Give it time and don't act too hastily. Good Luck x

[grannyjogger]

Hang on in there, it will get better. Keep a note pad and pen at hand and scribble down reminders about the things you've been told, this will take off some of the pressure as you won't be so worried about forgetting things because of the brain fog. Rest when you can and get the family to pitch in and help with household things. As for letting people down - be proud you have taken this step, I'm sure your family are proud of you too. Good luck (((hugs)))

[twist1]

Hi Susan, I also work 21 hours and found it hard at first. Just remember it's OK to learn a little bit a day and build on what you know. It may help to keep a notepad by your bedside. If your mind is racing write down the questions or tasks you need to do or ask the next day that way you will develop a technique of parking your problems before bedtime ready to start the next day fresh.

What you have now is stress and it will exacerbate your symptoms but the more confident you grow they hopefully will calm down.

Its easy to believe you are letting people down, but if you are blessed the people around you will understand and are happy you can still be with them.

Stay strong

[Jaxqueline]

Hi Susan

I'm in a similar situation. I have been off work since last June when I worked 24 hrs a week, as I was off sick a lot I asked for my hours to be reduced to 18. Now I am returning they have found me an alternative position for 21 hrs however, there are an extra 2.5 hrs travelling a day. I am absolutely dreading it. Firstly, the office gossip "why were you off?" Initially it was lupus but then the severe depression hit in. And also, will I be able to cope with a new role (with brain fog), extra hours and extra travelling as well as everything at home. I have tried to be very positive thinking that I will give it a go and do my best and hoping people will be understanding. However, I saw the Medical Officer at Occupation Health as he had to authorise my return to work and he said I was "setting myself up to fail". If I couldn't cope before I certainly wouldn't this time. Right after that meeting I had a flare up - reckon it must be connected. I am feeling brighter now and am once again to prove them wrong. I reckon all we can do is try our best. Good luck.

[Riverbird]

Hi Susan,

Know the medical receptionist job very well and it is often a lot more complicated than people imagine and is consequently a bit of a shock to the system even for healthy people with minds and bodies that are fully functioning! We all used to say that it takes a year or more to really know what you are doing and everyone said they never stopped learning about it. So be very kind to yourself, and as suggested write things down as there is far too much to remember anyway, be patient with yourself and you will get there in the end. Remember that the job is one that lots of people cannot do, it takes a certain sort of person to excel at it and it is also a popular job that is hard to get, so you have already done very well indeed. Remember that they would not have chosen you if they thought you did not fit in with the rest of the team, or they thought you could not do it, so keep going and the very best of luck.

[susan17]

Thanks to everyone for their comments, they have helped me a lot. That's two weeks in now so fingers crossed things can only get better. I will keep you posted. x