Protect your mental health at ALL costs!
It should be your number one priority so protect is while you can!
If you’re not happy, it effects everything around you: your relationships, work…everything.
I’ve come to a point in my life where anything and anyone that is having an impact on my mental health has got to go!
Therefore, my job had to go too! (Pre COVID that is)
Let me break it down for you guys
Before I get to my why, I’ll give you some background as to what my job role was.
I was working as a support worker for several months back in 2018.
Initially, I got into the job as I studied Business and Psychology and I wanted to get first-hand experience within the field of psychology.
I saw a job post as a support worker providing care for 4 males in a residential setting who had mental health conditions and learning disorders.
The location wasn’t too far from home and cough cough no experience necessary so I applied.
I thought I might as well as I was miserable working as a pharmacy assistant.
I applied and managed to secure an interview.
The interview was a breezeeeee.
Of course, I was super nervous, but I got the job!
Within a few weeks I started my new job.
And boy oh boy I got stuck in right away.
I completed all my training (and there was a lot) within the first few months. I began administering medication (whoop check me out).
And then things started to get bit intense.
Initially, I was hired to work part time (30 hours contract, I repeat 30 hours). I was working well over that.
One week I worked 54 hours.
Yes 54 hours.
I was shattered
AND, I was not getting enough sleep.
Plus, I didn’t have a social life.
On my days off, all I wanted to do was sleep which impacted my concentration immensely.
On top of that it was shift work.
Some weeks I worked Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and then the following week I worked Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
My hours were all over the place.
However, I loved my colleagues! We all got along but the inconsistency and the hours were starting to bother me A LOT.
I didn’t want to leave but I missed having structure.
Due to the type of supported individuals I cared for, you never knew what to expect at work.
So yes, my anxiety was through the roof. I did not create and protect my boundaries.
At work, I could never let my guard down.
I just couldn’t get comfortable.
In the type of job environment, you must have thick skin.
I do but I also felt like I was settling.
Deep down, I knew I could get very comfortable in the type of job; I wasn’t observing much progression and I refuse to go through life just settling.
So, I thought, “I must push myself.”
So, I pushed myself and I left.
I couldn’t take it anymore.
I was beyond drained; mentally and physically.
The job was a big lesson for me: to speak up for myself!
I didn’t have to work all those hours.
I could have said no but I didn’t.
What did you learn Candice?
I learnt that I have to say NO. (Damn I need to take my own advice)
You need to have strict principles: what will you stand for?
You need to know where to draw the line.
Shift work is not for me. If you are considering looking for a new role, avoid these!
What I have to do to protect my mental health is not up for debate.
So, for my readers…
Although you may feel comfortable in your job, are you speaking up, taking risks and is your voice heard?
Think about it.
Thank you for reading and take care.
It’s good that you were finally able to listen to your exhausted mind and body by leaving on time before you could dysfunction. Thank you for this article. You’re right, saying no is very important in life. So is defining an living by your principles.
Yes, we need to put ourselves first. Thank you for taking the time to read my article.
Yes! Learning to say “no” to protect your mental health is so important. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks for reading!