[lilypeppermint]

Work have been really supportive but it’s been hard being off so long because I’m scared they secretly don’t want me back and are happier without me being around. Hopefully just wonky thinking.

Work feels like a faraway dream. I think this is an object permanence thing almost. Like it feels like my job doesn’t really exist and is just a dream I had, as silly as that sounds.

I love my job. I am a bit shocked to have had to be away from it so long.

No words of wisdom as such just wanted to say your reaction sounds like a normal adjustment to your time off, I have heard many people find it a challenge returning after a break.

Do you have a date in mind for return? Can you pop in for a few visits before then, and arrange a phased return when you are ready to go back? Those things may help you adjust gradually to going back in.

I think it's wonderful that you love your job btw and this will be a huge plus when you do return.

[SeekerSeeking]

I am so glad your work is being supportive while you are off work. You are making up a ‘story in your head’ about them may not wanting you back. If you are going to create a story in your head, make it one that makes you feel better. Like, “Wow, they really like me and miss me and are being so supportive of my absence.”

I try and only make up stuff that makes me feel good. Like that lady who cut me off in traffic? She wasn’t being rude, she has a friend in an emergency situation who called her to come over—she was just being a distracted driver….

Works well for me….

[lilypeppermint]

Originally Posted by prefabsprout

No words of wisdom as such just wanted to say your reaction sounds like a normal adjustment to your time off, I have heard many people find it a challenge returning after a break.

Do you have a date in mind for return? Can you pop in for a few visits before then, and arrange a phased return when you are ready to go back? Those things may help you adjust gradually to going back in.

I think it's wonderful that you love your job btw and this will be a huge plus when you do return.

Thanks both. I am hoping to go back in May and have asked my work about maybe popping in for an informal visit. Phased return is a definite possibility I’m glad to say - I think everyone realises it would be helpful. But thank you for mentioning those things

I hope you are right that this will be a plus. Last time I had a long absence from work was totally different as work was part of the cause and I ended up changing career not long after which I don’t want to do now!

Originally Posted by SeekerSeeking

I am so glad your work is being supportive while you are off work. You are making up a ‘story in your head’ about them may not wanting you back. If you are going to create a story in your head, make it one that makes you feel better. Like, “Wow, they really like me and miss me and are being so supportive of my absence.”

I try and only make up stuff that makes me feel good. Like that lady who cut me off in traffic? She wasn’t being rude, she has a friend in an emergency situation who called her to come over—she was just being a distracted driver….

Works well for me….

That is a very good point about the story in my head! Food for thought, thank you!!