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Jobs and depression. My job definitely triggers depressing times and can make it very difficult to improve my mood. But I have done this job for 18 yrs and stuck it out so now I have good benefits and make at least 3 times the amount of money I could make any where else. But some days I just hate to be at this job.
I know its not worth being so depressed and staying at this work. A couple of years ago I couldnt take it any longer and quit, took another job in a completely different area but it didnt pay too much but would later on possibly. I didnt last too long because I just didnt make enough to live on and the stress came back and depression followed so I went back to the first job.
Im 56 yrs old, I know many people start second careers about this age, I just dont know what I might want to do. I know there are counselors to help change careers but I havent followed through with that.
Has anyone changed to a second career as they have gotten older???
I feel trapped!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I started working as Assistant for a WIA Non Profit organization in 5/99, after 1 year I was promoted to Technician. After 2002 things changed, we had a new union and Executive Director. I started on anti depression medication because of the unfair treatment by new Executive Director, and was able to continue to work, through accusation of harassment, position elimination and transfer, demotion, with medication adjustments periodically. This abuse continued to keep me down, while upgrading other employees, until after 11 years, I was the least paid employee in the organization.
Then after bringing an issue to the Executive Director, I was retaliated against and finally terminated over the phone on Saturday. Now even though my psychiatrist has added an additional anti-anxiety medication with my current and anti-depression medication, I still can not concentrate, am anxious, sad, can't sleep, or leave the house without much coaxing.
The work caused my depression beginning in 2002, and I have been under continual psychiatric care with various adjustments in medication. Now in 2011, the last straw has dropped, I have been terminated and my medication can't control my depression. What can I do now? My options are:
* A bridge down the road that I could live under, or jump off of.
Do you have any alternatives?
I know all too well about depression. Ten years ago, I was in the same exact position that I am in now. I was learning things fast so they were giving me more work. Back then at my other job, I didn't have any family responsibilities or worries. I've moved up the level but it really tears me up to know that my co-worker is sitting across the way from me doing nothing all day but playing cards online. The boss knows and does nothing. They allow him to do nothing all day. In my head, I'm thinking that this can't really be going on. I am a black woman and the only black woman in my department. They let go this one guy here 4 years ago and I have been doing his job plus my job and I haven't received a pay raise, a ham, a turkey, or even a thank you. There is no appreciation for what I do. And in the process, I get to watch my co-worker do absolutely nothing. How peachy is that? And he is the total opposite of me and loaded with germs!!!!!!!! It's 3:35pm, I'm over here as usual busting behind and he is over there playing cards on the computer. And if the boss is not in, than he's sleep. This disturbs me to the utmost. He's a higher rank than me and feels that since he's been here 20 years, he's free to do what he pleases. I'm telling you all, one year from now, I am moving forward in a different direction. There is no I in T-E-A-M!
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I've had lots of thoughts about job change. Working in a call center for over 10 years doing both sales and customer service...no chance for advancement (unless I want to wind up in a psych unit for a manic episode), deadly dull, mediorce pay and feeling like just atethered to a phone, with no chance to use my other talents and skills....depressing. In fact, when I'm hypomanic...I'm fine. But I am beginning to see that the work itself is triggering depressive swings. The company is ok. The people are wonderful, but I feel trapped. Need the job, but I'm looking into re-training for something different. Just got to find a way to cope until I can make the jump. Biggest fear is mania will take over if anxiety gets too high...and I leap before I look, and get myself into a real financial mess. Last time that happenned (pre-diagnosis 12 years ago), impulse control went out the window, and then I slid into a dark hole and turned into either a zombie or Dr. Jekyl -Mr. Hyde (I have BP-I with rapid cycling). But I really see the work-depression connection.