Full Time Work

[Jagged Angel]

After many years of casual and part-time work, I have finally gotten to the point where I am capable of full-time work. I have had to put a lot of management tools and self-care tools in place to do this, but I have now been in full-time work for three weeks, and doing OK.

My employers know about my PTSD. I was not sure whether I should tell them. I, like many people have been faced with the discrimination that comes with mental illness in the past, and I am always quite reluctant to disclose. However my employers were very clear that having lived experience of mental illness was an asset (I am working in mental health), so I disclosed. The first thing they did was ensure that I knew about the disability officer and the ways they could help me to sustain a good work/life balance.

I know I don't post here often - I am usually a bit of a lurker, reading what others write and not feeling I want to engage - however I wanted to share this great news with everyone.

 

[Joan]

Wow...that is awesome. Congratulations. I hope that all continues to go well. Make sure to keep taking care of yourself. Thanks for offering hope.

 

[quic]

That is great, we need more stories like yours. Keep us posted.

 

[fly away home]

What brilliant news, I would love too know what self care told you are using to help you manage as I often feel so overwhelmed with work and need other ways of copping.

Congratulations on full time work, this is inspiring!

 

[Britt.f7]

That's great news!

 

[Flyaway]

Really happy for you!!!

 

[Marguerite]

Your jobs seems like a good fit for you. Congratulations!

 

[Jagged Angel]

Thanks everyone. The job is really rewarding, and my team are excellent.

In response to the self-care question: I've had to 'step it up' a bit with the self-care. I have had to build an hour a day that is purely dedicated to self-care. I can, of course, do more than this, but doing this guarantees that I will look after myself. So, I walk to work at least three days a week. Might not sound like much, but I live about 4kms from work... It takes about an hour to walk. I hike for fun, so this is not a problem for me. I am a creative person, so I draw and paint. I also enjoy scrapbooking.

I've changed my diet a little so that I am eating less junk food. I was already eating healthy food, so that part didn't change, I just lowered the level of the junk food. It's all working so far, and I actually feel a lot better about myself...

 

[_vikki]

Brilliant!