living with the constant threat/stress

I work for libraries in a borough of London, UK. There are huge public sector/local government budget cuts. I'm sure some of you have seen the news about it. Libraries are part of the 'target' for cuts. So far I've kept my job, and no libraries have closed. But we should hear within the next month what is going to happen. I have been living in constant fear of losing my job ever since the budget got ropey nearly 2 years ago now. This is stressful, to put it mildly... And I experience insecurity all the more due to the emotional legacy of my past. And it's hard! Thing is, everyone is finding it hard. 'Just' because I have chronic major depression and a complex trauma history doesn't make me special. Except that vulnerability hits me harder and effects my functioning more. Or. does it also make me more resilient? A complex combo, I guess. Also, if I do lose my job, with my condition and situation getting a new one could be even harder than the norm. I've been in my present job just over 7 years now, the longest I've ever been in a job. I'm intellectually capable of far more. But you know how it goes.. Just was looking for if anyone can relate, and some kindness if possible, please..

That's a really tough situation to be in. It's never pleasant to be in a situation when your job is threatenned due to politically driven funding cuts - it's very stressful and would be for anyone. Have you thought about discreetly looking for other jobs while you're still employed, that might give you a sense of having more control, and put you ahead of the game should you lose your job. At the very least I'd spend some time updating my resume.

And if you want a good job search reference I highly recommend, "What colour is your parachute." it's been around for years, but gets updated annually and is very helpful.

Good luck.

--splitimage

sorrelyou have real concerns but based on your work history i don't feel you would be cut at least in the first tier. sometimes i worry too much over something and i find it never changes the outcome. it only adds to my stress level and mental weariness. i don't see any reason why you can't approach your superior for input altho everyone may be concerned as you are. if you have a good rapport with staff and do your work well you've done all that you can do. the rest is out of your hands. hopefully my post will ease your mind some. worrying will not change the outcome whatever that is and whenever that is.
it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. just enjoy each day and wear a smile. the only other thing i can suggest is to be cautious with any extra spending until you know what's what. that's about all the planning you can do right now unless you want to apply for some other jobs to see what's available. if nothing else it will give you interview experience in the event you find you need to obtain a new job. that will keep you sharp in the meantime since you haven't probably interviewed in 7 years. who knows maybe your interviewing will bring you an offer and you'll need to pick which job you want! best wishes.

Thanks both of you. The local paper reports that several libraries will be closed. But we've heard nothing from senior staff officially still. They won't know until next month apparently, which is AWFUL timing for me, with the lack of emotional support over the holidays. Seeking for other work just doesn't feel an option. I don't know what I could do. I have to have specific hours to fit around my treatment appointments. And my illness effects me in a number of ways, and I have had reasonable adjustments under the DDA for my employment in my current post since formal diagnosis. I am thinking of doing some things freelance, if it comes to it. And I know my parents have said they'd help me 'bridge' financially. To get my current job, I had to go through 2 years of very frequent interviews for other jobs, which I didn't get. And I don't feel I can face anything like that again, especially now I have an official mental health 'disability'. My range of what I could do, because of the hours, is pretty limited. Plus lack of self esteem. social anxiety etc. I've done some work on my resume/CV. My ideal would be to get a regular weekend job, and do some freelance work during the times I'm free during the week, and perhaps also do some training to change career direction. But that could all be a pipe dream, especially if my depression etc suffers a severe relapse which it very likely might, with the whole issue of being made redundant. I'm in that awful inbetween situation of being well enough to work within certain parameters, but not disabled enough to count us too unwell to work and in need of benefits. Thing is, I am well enough to work where I am now, with all the support of my managers and the reasonable adjustments, and the reassurance of knowing my colleagues and the system well. But without that? Who knows.

well just me but i'm gonna pray that all goes well. try to avoid projecting even tho i realize that's easier said than done. just stay in today. the rest will take care of itself. sounds like you've been doing some brainstorming; freelance, etc and that's positive. also know we are here for you regardless of the final outcome.
in the UK do they offer some job placement thru a govt. agency for ppl llike you with a disability but wanting to work/job training/placement? here in the US we do have one. i'm hoping you do too just in case.

Thanks.
I started a new thread related to intensified anxiety with this. Thought this thread had disappeared out of sight... But. We all, every employee of the council, today had a letter through the post about staffing, and it seems from that that managers are the current main 'target' this time around. But it was all very ambiguous.
My therapist is really helping me explore and be with my feelings, which really helps.

Yes, we have disability work related programmes. Thing is, I'm probably not disabled enough, as it were, to qualify. I've asked my manager for advice re this kind of available support, if the worst were to happen.