I quit my
job - I left yesterday! It probably sounds a lot more dramatic than it
actually was... It was all very civilised and I handed in my notice two weeks
ago. I did my best to make the transition as smooth as possible because I have
a lot of respect for my bosses.
I'm sure
you're wondering what led to this decision. The truth is, I've been feeling the
presence of fatigue recently. I started my new job, building and establishing
the social media accounts for a media company in March, after I had recovered
from my last stoma surgery. I was working 22.5 hours a week, with three days in the
office and two from home.
Three
freelance opportunities found me, all centred around the IBD and Ostomy world.
Whilst loving them, I felt like I was spreading myself very thin. Charity
support, fundraising, and the #IBDSuperHeroes awareness project have all
suffered due to time and energy constraints over the last few months. So, when
the opportunity to work more freelance hours in a role I am passionate about
recently became available, how could I say no?!
That
obviously meant that I had to hand in my notice at my day job, which I was
really only just settling into. But, I've had to put my health and wellbeing
first. At the moment, I am not very active, gaining weight and often being
beaten by fatigue. Working freelance means that I can plan my day around what
works for me.
I don't
think you can put a price on a good work-life balance, especially as someone
with a chronic illness. Although technically, the price I put on it was as much as
I need to pay the bills...
I have
struggled with many aspects of going back to work over the last six months.
Just rehydrating before starting my day often felt like an impossible task! Being
too worried to eat in the office on bad days in case my stoma decided it was
time for the wind orchestra to play a symphony. Little things like the toilet
being next to the kitchen, meaning I was constantly paranoid about emptying my
bag and the smell wafting in there. Lots of little things, that would never
enter the brain of a normal, healthy person!
I’m hoping
that working to my own schedule will allow me to exercise more and stress a
little less!
Wish me luck!
