I'm returning to the regular working world next week after a 3 month sabbatical and yes, I'm a little anxious. I left a really good paying/good benefits management job in January and have been doing some freelance work here and there since. I left my corporate job of my own volition, and while there have been plenty of moments of second guessing my decision over these past few months, it was a very negative, toxic environment that I knew I couldn't remain in. I worked in a health care setting and had been at my previous company for the better part of 17 years. It was a lot to walk away from but even in my most doubt filled days since, I still feel I did the right thing in order to stay true to myself.

The job I'm starting next week is with a very well reputed organization. Its a huge pay cut for me compared to what I'm used to making. But along with the pay cut, comes less stress and a more positive work environment. That means the world to me right now. I'm essentially starting over from scratch and that is the part that makes me anxious. I also know there will be an adjustment period as I've essentially been out of the traditional work world for three months. But I look forward to having a routine again and interacting with people. I feel that I hadn't thought that part out very well when I started the freelance work and in many ways, this recent rock bottom of depression and anxiety I've been dealing with is because I underestimated the value of routine and being with others for me. I don't do well with lack of structure so that is an important lesson I've learned from all of this.

So in some ways, returning to work for me is a kind of support network...a return to "normalcy" (whatever normalcy even means lol). I'm pretty confident it will help lift me out of the funk I've been in and do wonders for my self esteem. Still nervous though!