I started a new job about three weeks ago after being out of work for about a year. I actually resigned from my last job after already being off sick for three months, which included a six week hospitalization. I couldn’t face going back, the five years I had worked there were not good and I had hoped getting out would help improve my mental health. I also had money saved so could afford it for a while. I didn’t expect to stay out of work so long but it is what it is.

Anyway, I’m now working again. And I’m not sure I’m handling it well, but I also can’t tell if it’s too soon to know. I know that my mood is crashing. I know that I’ve started to dread every single shift. Honestly I feel like I want to quit already, but I would feel so pathetic giving up so soon. Maybe I just need more time to get used to it?

How can you know if you are cut out for the working world? And what do you do if it turns out you can’t?

[Fuzzybear]

I'm certainly no expert here... But lean on your support system, including us here on PC and don't beat yourself up for anything... Use all your self soothing skills etc. You're intelligent and there is no "shame" in switching jobs, career paths etc or leaving a job you don't like... As I'm sure you'll hear many times, give it time ...

PS have you thought of studying, maybe part time, for something else? (Obviously I don't know what your work is but if you disliked the last job maybe it's the wrong job )

I'm sure you'll receive more useful answers than this

Also personally I wouldn't use the language to myself about "cut out for" etc.. It sounds like my father

I changed jobs quite a bit when I was "in my early" 20's and I didn't feel ashamed. I think it's "normal" (whatever that is)

I know some people who are "still students" at about age 30 - this is a good option for some

I'm beginning to think it's all too late anyway...

[Fuzzybear]

Thinking of you ... I don't think it's too late for you (or any of us really)

I think some jobs trigger anxiety so the way I look at it is that you may not be cut out for certain jobs. I know that is of little help when you have to take what is available to you.

"And I’m not sure I’m handling it well, but I also can’t tell if it’s too soon to know." -- It is smart to feel that way because every job has a learning curve and that can be very stressful.

"Honestly I feel like I want to quit already, but I would feel so pathetic giving up so soon." -- Keep applying for jobs while you continue to work there?

I know it is a jungle out there and I am proud of you for trying given all that you have gone through with your mental illness.

Ugh. Just made a reply then lost signal and lost it. And naturally I can't remember it well enough but I will try again...

It's hard to know what kind of job would suit me better. I actually wanted this job, I thought it would suit me, part time in a shop I like. I think I'm probably putting too much pressure on myself to make it work.

I have tried various jobs over the years, a pizza place, a small shop, an accountancy firm and they all seemed to end badly. As far as studying goes, I'm not even sure what I would be interested in enough to study. I know it's an option if I change my mind though.

I'm trying to perservere and not throw in the towel so soon. It's hard though. And I'm concerned I might end up doing something stupid because of this. I'm trying to stay strong, I'm just not sure how long that strength will last.