I left a permanent job voluntarily as The job was affecting my mental health. The manager was an absolute bully and it had become hell working there.
I took some time off and applied for other opportunities. I’m a qualified nurse. I am on strong anti-depressants which I take before bed as they can leave you drowsy and lethargic. They should be taken the same time every day. Therefore I’ve always ruled out night work.
However after applying for every position going which is day time hours and not getting anywhere. I finally accepted defeat and took a shift work job.
It’s 4 days a week day time, 4 days off and then 4 days nights.
I was glad to be offered the position as my 7 weeks of unemployment has left me in debt by £2000 (had to take out a loan to pay rent) which I need to pay back ASAP. I also cannot survive on the amount I get on universal credit. I mean I could technically but it would be just about surviving and I’d be constantly worried about money.
I’ve requested a refund of my pension contributions and this with my housing support will keep me okay with rent for around 9 months but after that I’m going to struggle.
I just really can’t see how I can cope with night time working. I’m usually asleep by 11pm and I can’t sleep in the day. I will go insane having my body clock disrupted like that. I will be drowsy from my medication and I just feel I’m going to be utterly miserable and quit within a few weeks.
This isn’t my only option. I can stay on universal credit until I find something which won’t negatively affect my mental health (this has been agreed). I can use this time to find something that will suit me longterm. I could also take a lower paid job to keep me going for now.
I just don’t know what to do.
If you were me would you turn down the offer of a fairly high paid job to remain unemployed?
