[Crook32]

So as many of you know work has been a huge source of anxiety for me. Always looking over my shoulder. Sends me spiraling into depression. Well today I talk with my finance guy and if we do a couple of things I could definitely go part time right now or quit all together. I mean it seems like a no brainer but something is holding me back. Could be my fear of change or fear of running out of money. But it would help my mental health. I just have to be brave enough to make that leap. If I work 7 more years I think my wife and I can retire at the same time. But what happens if the market tanks? A lot could happen over 50 years. I think I would volunteer as a mental health advocate.

Hi Crook32. It sounds like you have good options to consider for the future. Only you can make the decision on what to do, but I guess if I were in your shoes, if I could step down to part-time first, I would likely try it. I think many employers are willing to offer such an option, even if it means slightly different work. You won't know unless you ask, unless you've already asked. I guess if even the part-time became unbearable, then quitting is always an option.

You would be a wonderful mental health advocate, I'm sure!

[Crook32]

I never thought I would have a hard time deciding where or not to quit working but I am. More fear and anxiety than I thought there would be.

[fern46]

You're right, it is a very tough decision. I've struggled with walking away from work more than once. The first time I decided to leave to raise my kids and then I went back part time. I had my first severe psychotic break down last November and decided to leave again to focus on my mental health. I do miss my work from time to time. I need projects to focus on and challenging problems to solve. I find that I can do that elsewhere if I try hard enough. My mental health was just too important not to walk away. It drives every aspect of my life and I have to make sure I'm doing all I can to control it. Work did not cause my break, but I tend to hyperfocus on it and I was afraid I'd lose myself again if I didn't take a step back.

I agree with BirdDancer. It does sound like you have good options to consider. You are in a tough spot, but also a fortunate one. Volunteering as a mental health advocate would most likely be a very rewarding way to spend your time. I hope you find happiness and less stress no matter what you decide. Blessings.

[still_crazy]

not to sound like a marxist or anything, but i think some reluctance is to be expected, because...work is such a big part of life for most people. i think maybe its not as deeply drilled into people in, say, parts of Western Europe (maybe?), but...I think especially in the US, and probably a bit more for men than for women, work=big part of identity, part of life, etc. not that it doesn't for women, its just...i think its still, even now, a part of the US male gender training...WORK, damnit!

some people find paid employment within the mental health realm, after dealing with 'the system.' peer support, patient advocates...are sometimes compensated. it really depends on how 'progressive' the mental health system in your area is, it seems. some places are very conservative, bio-reductionist...i doubt there'd be much hope for any sort of paid position in that environment. in other places, there's an increasing emphasis on applying the bio-psycho-social model, so those still in treatment can often at least volunteer, sometimes do paid work, in the 'psycho-' and/or 'social' components.

just random thoughts. i hope you can find a solution that meets your needs and doesn't create further (or different) problems. :-)

[Ezrigirl]

You can quit your current job. The question you have to ask, if you decide to get back into the labor market, will your next job be equal to the job your leaving.