BP2 re-entering the workforce

I worry that if I enter a supervisory role straight away that I may burnout and cause myself unnecessary stress.

Am I shooting myself in the foot before I even begin here??

There are other less stress options I could pursue but I wouldn't mind an opinion. I get stuck on thinking that a lot of my illness is now thought up inside my head. Limiting myself before anything even happens.

Can anyone relate or give advice?

Work to live, don't live to work.

If you feel that taking on a certain roll will cause you more stress than you can sustain, its not it. The last thing anyone needs is stress to tip you into an episode. Learning to live with what you can sustain and not what you are capable of is hard. You may well be able to do the job and do it well, but in order to be stable you need to be happy with a lesser role. As long as you can afford it, I'd chose a happy stable life over a promotion anytime. Let someone else take the stress, enjoy your life.

Just my two cents worth from someone who's been there, burned out and then had to pick up the pieces afterward. My Conclusion - it wasn't worth it.

Everyone is different, so this new role might be perfect for you but my experience is in line with Bitter2014. I was off work unwell for four years and went back to work full time with no adjustment period. I got promoted and moved to a better job and got promoted some more until i was in a very interesting, challenging and stressful position. It took less than one year before I was on sick leave then finally let go as i could not work. All together I worked full time for three years. Then I was off work very unwell for 5 years until I started up a cruisy casual job a year ago which I have been able to maintain well, although I have had time off work for treatment as I am still in the process of stabilising. In the end it is up to you as you know yourself best. I wish you all the best.

I think you should try it. If you find that it is reducing your quality of life, look for another position. You will never know if you can succeed unless you try.

I wished I had an answer for you. I'm in the same boat, except my holes ain't been plugged yet. But I'm sick of my life. I've contemplated a couple of positions as of late, but I don't feel ready, however my balance sheet tells me differently.
I had rather die trying (stroke from stress) than being a bum. So, I'm about to conjure up the nerve to go try. It's just my focus is off, and I absolutely know they sense it. I would rather the company feel as though I'm doing them the favor rather than the other way around. I've been on both sides of the fence and the latter is not good, as it negates any bargaining rights.

Dad burn it. I'm just too screwed in the head.

Don't ever put yourself in a position where your work compromises your mental health. You are the most important quotient.

I'm only just beginning to discover this myself.

Be well.

with Hooligan. Try to get out of your head-- recognize that your illness has a very real, physiological basis. It's not thought up inside your head anymore than diabetes or heart disease. Try the supervisory role if you've got a fallback position. But don't take a job that's going to compromise your mental health.

I won't say not to do it, but I will say tread lightly. I am about to give my notice because I took on more than I can handle.

In any managerial type of position, you are making a commitment to both the company and your employees, besides just to yourself. Are you ready for this?

Well, I am currently in a position that I find intriguing and satisfying, but the pace of the job is more than I can handle. I know that I can find the same work in a different district where the caseload is lighter so that I can still find myself satisfied with the job, but dial down the pace. Is there anyway you can look into something like that? Maybe a management position in a job that is less demanding? Just a thought.

i agree with the posts above that it is entirely up to you what you can handle and do. I also agree that being more conservative or careful may pay in the long run. I know what happens to me when I am stressed and over worked. It is not pleasurable by any means. If you have choice, And I mean if, Think about what will best fit you and your situation. Be safe and wishing you the best.

Again, I can't be thankful enough for those of you who took the time out to share your stories and offer advice. Sometimes you just need those outside opinions.

I have decided to shoot straight with the company that wants to take me on, being honest about my bipolar and how I am treated. I feel much better after disclosing that, and I don't feel discriminated.

To begin with I will simply be contracted to work on my own in the orchard, with supervisory roles from time to time. I think this is a good step in the right direction for me, starting out slow in a company that knows who I am.

Again, I have to say how thankful I am for the responses, I know it's not easy to take time out to respond to someone, so Thanks and I wish you all the best.

Jared.