Getting back into employment

[Diesel]

I applied for a couple of jobs a short time ago and I have an interview for one of them in a couple of weeks. I've been struggling with a nasty bout of depression since February and recently felt like I could reclaim my life by getting back into employment. The reality has now set in about what this means.

First of all there is the interview. Always a time of great nerves or anxiety anyway, how do you go into an interview hoping to be able to remain calm, focused...normal!? when coming off the back of such a bad spell?

Secondly, am I actually well enough to be doing this? How do you know when you are truly ready to get back out there? Would NOT getting the job knock my confidence to the point where this whole thing does more harm than good?

Thirdly, if I get the job I go from doing nothing to working full time 40 hours a week with a team of people when I'm not very good/comfortable socially. Is that a step too far or do you just have to throw yourself in the deep end sometimes? What if it makes me ill and I go back to square one?

I'm anxious about it already and concerned that this anxiety will show. I know I need to get back out there because I cannot continue how I am, but at the same time I'm concerned.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[sherlock holmes]

When I am considering employment but then not sure if it's right or not I go for the interview anyway. I consider it good practice (the more interview you have the less anxious you will be and the better you become at answering their questions) plus they may have more information about the job that will help you decide.

Personally speaking I would not be able to go from no job to 40 hours a week. It would make me unwell and relapse. But that's me, I don't know what you are like. However, if you are worried about that aspect, can you look for jobs that are part time for now? Like 20 hours a week or so? Or even start by doing some volunteering a day a week and ease yourself back in.

[not_so_insig]

I agree with starting off volunteering. If you can regularly do part time hours then you can probably cope with a part time job.

[Diesel]

I would have to admit that starting off either volunteering or part-time seems just as daunting to me and would obviously be a much lower step on the ladder. This is a really great opportunity for me, but as I suggested, it is a little 'jumping in the deep end'. I really have no idea. I think, in this moment right now, I should go to the interview and give it my best shot and see what happens. Tomorrow I may feel differently though. Argh!

[Serendipity.]

I think it's definitely worth going to the interview and seeing what happens. Remember that it's also an opportunity for you to decide if the job is right for you and if you would feel comfortable working there. Even if you're offered the job, you're perfectly free to turn it down if you don't feel like it's the right thing for you at this time.

Can you pinpoint the things you're worried about in regards to working; what do you think you might struggle with? Do you know why volunteering or part time work feels just as daunting as full time work? I know that it feels like a lower step on the ladder, but at the same time, you don't want to go for a 'better' job and end up being unable to cope with it and going off sick again (I'm not saying that's what would happen, just something to consider!)

I recently went back to full time work after a particularly nasty period of depression. I was working part time before that, so I didn't go from nothing to full time, but my contracted hours have more or less doubled, and I have found it really tough. I don't think I would have coped if I'd gone straight from nothing to full time. My workplace is a pretty good place to work, my colleagues are lovely and supportive, and my manager is aware of my difficulties and is very supportive, and it has still been tough. If I were in a less supportive environment, I don't think I would be managing. That is just my experience and it wouldn't necessarily be the same for you, but if you do decide to jump straight in, maybe just be aware that it will be tough and have things in place to help you cope with that.

Do you have anyone you could talk it through with, who might be more aware of your personal circumstances and abilities - friends or family, or professional support?

[Diesel]

I think I'm going to struggle with dealing with people, both fellow employees and the public, as I'm not good with people sometimes and quite often need my own space.
I think I'm going to struggle to remain 'normal' as my moods can be erratic.
Volunteering or part-time work would feel the same as I'd still have the aforementioned problems with people and moods.
I've never felt this bad about going for a job before, my anxiety about it is sky high and I can't stop thinking about it, the situation, and what to do about it. I really hate having a mental illness.

[Diesel]

I think I'm probably going to have to withdraw my application

[Irisflower]

Is there anything like data entry where it is straightforward and on your own you can try?