Moving to a faster paced job when have anxiety

InReality

Hi

I've had problems with anxiety and depression on and off for a long time now. I'm in my 40's now and have had bouts since my 20's.

I'm have a bit of anxiety these days ( as I normally do ) , but have to decide on whether to take a new job or not.
I would like to be able to make the decision with a clear head , as its an opportunity that might not come along again.

Unfortunarly jobs/working are where I get all my anxiety from !
I've pretty much decided to move ,but having lots of worries that I might be too much for me.
This job will be more demanding and in an area I have no experience in.

So I'm wondering about how to cope with all this without letting my anxiety take full reign.

Alf. A. Male

InReality wrote: »

I would like to be able to make the decision with a clear head , as its an opportunity that might not come along again.

Apart from that why do you want the job? Is it actually a genuine improvement on what you have now in some way? More money? Better security or whatever?

December2012

Life is about balance - so if you think that there is going to be something that will make you anxious, then you have to input something into your "life bank" to absorb / counter balance the anxiety.

So a few examples:
talk to a mental health professional,
do meditation,
exercise,
yoga,
make sure you're getting good quality sleep,
see what career support you can use.

InReality

Alf. A. Male wrote: »

Apart from that why do you want the job? Is it actually a genuine improvement on what you have now in some way? More money? Better security or whatever?

Yeah thats a good question.

It would be a career change , and the first part of moving to an area I've been interested in as a "lay person" for a long time.
So the pros for moving are pretty strong.

The reasons against it would be that I'm not sure I would like my inital job and that I'm unsure about how easy it would be to transfer to my "dream job" from that first one.

I normally say to myself will just have to try it and see.

I will try and do a bit of meditation and see my consellor.

I guess I just don't what to be overwhelmed by the pressure I'd put on myself to be perfect in the new job vs the fact that I would have to work harder.

Merkin

I'm sure if you suffer from anxiety, you are also well aware of anticipated anxiety and what that means.

On that basis, I would invest some time and energy into preparing myself as best I could for the new (and exciting!) challenge that awaits you. Get some supplementary therapy or counselling, ask for some help with relaxation techniques and if necessary, up your medication on the advice of a doctor to help you through those first few months or weeks.

I think it would be an awful shame to let your condition stand in the way of a good opportunity. And if it doesn't work out at least you will have tried. Really hope it works out for you

Alf. A. Male

InReality wrote: »

Yeah thats a good question.

It would be a career change , and the first part of moving to an area I've been interested in as a "lay person" for a long time.
So the pros for moving are pretty strong.

The reasons against it would be that I'm not sure I would like my inital job and that I'm unsure about how easy it would be to transfer to my "dream job" from that first one.

I normally say to myself will just have to try it and see.

I will try and do a bit of meditation and see my consellor.

I guess I just don't what to be overwhelmed by the pressure I'd put on myself to be perfect in the new job vs the fact that I would have to work harder.

I asked because I couldn't see where you'd thought it through and it was possible you were pressuring yourself for no gain, but it seems you have given it some thought and can see the value to the change. Best of luck with the move, really hope it goes well.

LegacyUser

I can relate to a lot of what you are going through. I handed in my notice in my current job a few weeks ago. It was a big company with a lot of business processes that I found challenging. I felt everyone was "smarter" than me and that I wasn't good enough to be there. I didn't like the job anyway so I am not sorry I am leaving.
Performance anxiety was my problem, I don't know if that is yours. I kept worrying all the time; the night before work, all during the weekend.
You say this job is moving to an area you've been interested in for a long time so I think if you are enthusiastic about it and enjoy it you will be OK.
Just make sure you have some support to lean on if you get anxious. Maybe breathing techniques or someone you can just ring up and talk to when things get too much.

InReality

Pretty sure didn't get job. Pissed off now.

Yeah it another job I was worried all the time.
It would probably have been similar in the new job , but its hard to get a knock back !

LegacyUser

InReality wrote: »

Pretty sure didn't get job. Pissed off now.

Yeah it another job I was worried all the time.
It would probably have been similar in the new job , but its hard to get a knock back !

It might be for the best, you never know. You did your utmost to get the job so it wasn't your fault. Focus on the future and try to stay positive.

Overheal

Have you ever sought professional help about your anxiety?

surely you must have some ability for the job if the opportunity is/was available to you?