Anxiety about working

[Guest]

I thought I was doing pretty well anxiety-wise, especially considering I ended up with emergency knee surgery. But the anxiety came back. I have been unemployed since last April. I read a news article that the senate failed to pass a bill to extend unemployment. They waited until the last minute and then one person voted against it even though the House had already passed it! I have unemployment until June but the 4th tier was denied in Wisconsin so I really need the federal extension- just like all the other unemployed people like me out there. I support myself and my unemployed son on my unemployment.


The thing that really set off my anxiety is that someone offered me a job. It was too far from where I live- I have a phobia about winter driving. The person who offered it to me was desperate and wanted me to start tomorrow and wanted to set up an interview immediately. She had just fired someone and she was panicking because she didn't have a replacement. First I said yes and then panic set in.


I know it is not the right job for me but I am scared of ending up with no money also. I literally feel torn in half right now. She was very polite when I turned her down but tried her best to talk me into it.


I know it wasn't the right job for me and things happened all too quickly but now I'm feeling that maybe I'm avoiding working. I have adjusted to being unemployed and I am far less stressed than when I was working. I know it can't last forever and realistically I do have to go back to work. Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

Maybe a part time job closer to home? Don't beat urself up about turning down the job, that's in the past. I know someone whose unemployment benefits continued while she worked part time, not sure what the story in your state is.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your response. I need the support right now! I had a bad 3 weeks in September in a daycare center when I was fired for hurting my back. I did get my unemployment back after about a month.


Not sleeping well right now. That always makes things worse.

 

[janemariesayed]

If you are not ready to return to work because it makes you anxious, then maybe it is better to stay away from it for the time being. If you are beginning to think that you are adjusting to not working then there is something that may help. How about doing a charity job for maybe one morning per week?

It would be voluntary so if you weren't able to go because of your anxiety then it won't hurt any anyone. As long as you explain to them when you first start that you suffer from anxiety. When you start doing this one day a week, you may find that it helps you to come out of your comfort zone a bit more. You may start to feel ready to go back to work.

You didn't do the wrong thing by turning down this job offer so don't beat yourself up over it. If you aren't ready, then you aren't ready. It isn't something you are putting on. I've tried to work but going out freaks me out. If I take my dogs out, it has to be before 7 am or I'm scared to see people! I accept my mental illness. Maybe I will get back to an outside the home job, but in the meantime, I just have to continue with my therapy and hope that it will help me to feel like getting out and about again.