Anxious about the future

If getting fired is unavoidable, resigning will look better on any reference. But try to avoid losing your job as it may not be easy to get another at the moment and I expect unemployment to continue rising (in the UK). By all means look for another, but it is easier and you have more bargaining power if you are already in a job. Try not to burn bridges.

Be aware that if you are close to burnout, or stressed or pushing too hard, your judgement is impaired. Even though you think it isn't. You can't see yourself from inside yourself. Talk honestly to someone you trust. Try to get some perspective. Are the things that seem so terrible really so terrible. If you imagine yourself in 5 years looking back will you think it is so bad? Try to see what is good.

Remember work is not everything. It is a way to earn money. Do what you need to, not everything you feel you should, or must. Things don't have to be perfect, just good enough. Reduce the pressure on yourself.

Try to engage with people at work to find solutions to the problems. Don't bottle stuff up. Try to talk. Try to be open to different perspectives. I know this is hugely hard when you are stuck and overloaded. I know what the crushing pressure feels like.

Obviously everyone's situation is different. If you really have to leave, then think about what you can learn from it. You will then need to take each week as it comes. There is no point thinking years down the line as there is no way you can know what will happen. I always do this but it harms your happiness and puts huge pressure on yourself. I know I shouldn't. 

Try to find ways to feel better now. A walk, nature, special interest, sleep, etc. to balance yourself. I think best during or after exercise. It clears the adrenaline and cortisol.

As already said, write stuff down. Putting wooly thoughts into words crystallizes the issue, it forces you to be specific and reduces the emotions, you can read it back later and be more critical, it saves you having to remember it so reduces mental load. 

If getting fired is unavoidable, resigning will look better on any reference. But try to avoid losing your job as it may not be easy to get another at the moment and I expect unemployment to continue rising (in the UK). By all means look for another, but it is easier and you have more bargaining power if you are already in a job. Try not to burn bridges.

Be aware that if you are close to burnout, or stressed or pushing too hard, your judgement is impaired. Even though you think it isn't. You can't see yourself from inside yourself. Talk honestly to someone you trust. Try to get some perspective. Are the things that seem so terrible really so terrible. If you imagine yourself in 5 years looking back will you think it is so bad? Try to see what is good.

Remember work is not everything. It is a way to earn money. Do what you need to, not everything you feel you should, or must. Things don't have to be perfect, just good enough. Reduce the pressure on yourself.

Try to engage with people at work to find solutions to the problems. Don't bottle stuff up. Try to talk. Try to be open to different perspectives. I know this is hugely hard when you are stuck and overloaded. I know what the crushing pressure feels like.

Obviously everyone's situation is different. If you really have to leave, then think about what you can learn from it. You will then need to take each week as it comes. There is no point thinking years down the line as there is no way you can know what will happen. I always do this but it harms your happiness and puts huge pressure on yourself. I know I shouldn't. 

Try to find ways to feel better now. A walk, nature, special interest, sleep, etc. to balance yourself. I think best during or after exercise. It clears the adrenaline and cortisol.

As already said, write stuff down. Putting wooly thoughts into words crystallizes the issue, it forces you to be specific and reduces the emotions, you can read it back later and be more critical, it saves you having to remember it so reduces mental load.