What to do if I quit my job

CHARDONNAY_3

I just wanted to say a great big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply - it is nice to know there are so many kind and thoughtful people out there.

I have been back to my doctors and given a sicknote for a further 2 weeks. I plan to use this time to get plenty rest (as I'm loaded with cold) but also to look at getting a new job.

I have been reading some of the threads on working from home as I feel this would be a great option for me as I have call centre and data entry experience.

I'm also planning to look at training courses and voluntary work as I would like to aim for a more rewarding career in the future. With call centre work you often become caught in a vicious trap of applying for the same type of jobs over and over agin, but I really want to break away from this.

In my current job I feel invisible. The last time I was on the sick for 2 weeks, no-one noticed I had even gone and that made me feel worthless. I have tried to make an effort to make friends but it can be difficult in a call centre. My self-confidence has taken a real knock but I'm hoping I can take steps to build it up again.

Thank you again for all your support.

Sazzyukrafc

I really feel for you, as this was how I felt in my old job. No one would notice when I wasn't there, everyone would go out for dinner and not ask me, no one would say hello or goodbye etc...

I would strongly advise you hand your notice in now. What is your notice period? If it is four weeks then you would only have two weeks left to work when you go back.

Use the time to apply for as many jobs as possible and forget about them. Drop a letter in at reception for HR with your resignation, you don't need to see your manager.

I did this and I'm now in a great job!

Scaredy_Cat_3

Chardonnay, you are absolutely right, in a call centre you ARE invisible! I had exactly the same problem. I was made redundant about 3 years ago and was too stressed to look for other jobs at the time, I felt I wasn't capable of doing any job at all, after the way they had dragged me down for so long.

Now I'm looking for work again and am so desperate I'm even looking at call centre jobs (stupidly!).

Anyway, the main reason I'm waffling on here was to respond to what Sazzy said about you only having to work 2 weeks notice after your sick note expires. Well, I don't think you'll even have to work that. There's nothing at all to stop you going back to your Dr and getting the sick note renewed - I think he'll be especially understanding if you explain the job is too stressful and you have handed your notice in - I'm sure he'll happily cover your notice period for you. I had similar situation, but I hadn't made up my mind to resign and my Dr was kind of putting pressure on, saying he couldn't keep giving me a sick note indefinitely, but I think if you have a definite end date it shouldn't be a problem at all.

And good luck to you - I just wish I'd had the sense to get out before it totally destroyed my confidence.

CHARDONNAY_3

Thank you for the advice. I think that handing in my notice is the best idea and I plan to do this asap as I have to give 4 weeks.

In the meantime I am looking for a new job but there doesn't seem to be much out there. Temp work in a shop seems like best option to tide me over til after xmas.

My only concern is what to put on application forms. I am on a 12 month contract in this current job so would it be acceptable to just put 'temporary contract' as reason for leaving as I don't want to go in to too much detail?

Also if I am on the sick whilst looking for a new job, how do I explain this on application forms and at interviews?

Thank you

Sazzyukrafc

You don't have to explain to anyone.

I went for an interview for the job I have now, he asked why I was leaving. Just tell them you don't enjoy it and want a job you will enjoy.

You don't need to tell them you're signed off sick.

Hand your notice in asap and get out of there

supermonkey

i really feel for you being in that situation...

I had a nightmare job a few years ago and it was making me depressed, stressed and so ill. Was so glad when I managed to get out.

Now it's not so easy... i've been made redundant and the only interview i've managed is for a job that i'm worried will be the same...it's making me feel depressed just thinking about it and i havnt even been offered it yet! And if they do offer it I will have to take it!

Sue-UU

ilikedrawing wrote: »

You feel week and worthless..thats typical of depression. You are definatley definatley not! You are just going through bereavement and the depression it can bring. Soon you'll be able to remember your dad and smile at the memories, rather than crying.

If you leave your job then there are other, less stressful jobs you could do, even if it was for a short time whilst you overcome this bad time.

I wish you the best of luck and happy times for the future :T xxx

Those words are so very true.

Hi Chardonnay and my deepest sympathies to you. You are still in the very, very early days of bereavement yet and it all takes time as we all grieve differently and it takes some longer than others to go through the process, but mainly it takes around 3 years to get really used to 'missing them'. Meanwhile take heed of all the amazing advice that's been given to you and be kind to yourself.

Do you have any other family members that you can talk to? If so, then pour your heart out to them whenever you feel the need to. Keep going back to your Dr and try to get more help with your depression, then think of something (a job) you'd really love to do and go all out to get it if it's possible. If not then keep searching for others that really appeal to you so you can be as happy as possible in your working life.

How about a hobby? If you had any before then how about going back to it/them, if not then think of something else you'd love to have a go at and go all out to fulfil it. If it doesn't work out or suit you, try another! Get as much exercise as you possibly can, brisk walking gives great rewards, you'll soon find that out if you try it. Or perhaps cycling, swimming or indoor exercise to videos etc. Exercise releases the endorphins in the brain and will much such a difference to you, and even though you're still grieving you're better able to manage it. Do your best to keep as occupied as possible and feel your dear Dad there with you, giving you the encouragement to push on with your life. He'll never be far away and will still be laughing at the funny things you do and gently saying 'tut tut' etc at little mistakes you may make. You know the type of thing I mean, I'm sure.

All the very, very best to you Chardonnay, be kind and patient with yourself and your life will one day be so different and even enjoyable. Smile at others and you'll be amazed at how quickly people respond to that, that alone is doing you both good! Be as happy as you're able whenever your mood is lighter and you'll find the darker days easier to deal with. Above all, when you feel the need to cry - do so! It's so good for us all to release the emotions within and we all feel so much better for it afterwards. Never bottle it all up!!!

Sue