Hi all!

Last week my T and I discussed whether or not I should return to work in a week or so. I have been off work since August last year due to various physical problems (mostly Fibromyalgia/CFS), and of coarse Bipolar. It is a casual job that supplements my disability pension. Without that extra money each week I slowly fall behind, even as I reassess my budget. Basically, I have to slowly eat away my savings.

The problems with returning to work are;
1) my physical health is still poor so I risk big flare-ups after each shift (two a week). This will impact my mental health and ability to study (I had last year off but am returning to university in 5 weeks).

2) Every year for at least the last five years I have had multiple hospitalisations which have made me an unreliable employee resulting in tension at work and stress for me, pressed me to work when still very unwell so I work under the influence of a huge amount of meds, and the stress only makes my mental health worse.

My T explained that if I do not reduce stress in my life I will continue to have multiple severe episodes that risk my life. He has suggested that I stop working and live off my savings while I complete my degree. Studying is less stressful on my body and good for my mental health. I have always pressured myself and pushed myself beyond my limits to achieve my goals in life, but at the expense of my health.

Quitting work is probably my best chance at long-term stability, at preventing worse case scenarios. HOWEVER, even supplementing my disability income with a small amount of savings each week to live a very basic life will have my savings gone in about 18 months. The hope is I will be better by then and able to get a new job but that is not guaranteed.

What do you all suggest I do?