Transitioning Back Into the Workforce
After taking a break from work to regroup and improve health I decided to go back to work. I've taken a step back from work to enhance my recovery efforts a few times. My experience transitioning back into the workforce gives me insight on how to prepare for work again.
There are many ways to kick off the employment repositioning process, however, I'll focus on volunteering and training classes.
Volunteering to develop work skills
In the beginning, I was intimidated to get back to work. I was newly diagnosed and re-learning myself and how to cope with my condition. Therefore, I eased back into working.
I decided to volunteer for a great cause such as HIV awareness or the American Red Cross. My local HIV advocacy organization landed on the correct side of the coin.
I volunteered as if I was a full-time employee. Eventually, I was entrusted with the key to the office and opened it daily. My volunteer position gave me access to training and I was able to develop skills I wouldn't have otherwise.
Access to training and skill development
I learned how to facilitate workshops and discuss sex education and testing. Then I began going to free workshops on mental health. Gradually, I gained more information about the recovery world and continued my training within the behavioral health field.
These trainings gave me experience facilitating groups – how to direct them, manage them, and get people to open up and talk. I became an influential force in these organizations and people encouraged me to take on more leadership roles.
This prepared me for additional training: training to coach, mentor, and counsel peers in recovery. I've been a certified peer specialist ever since. My job is rewarding because I get the opportunity to learn more about mental illness, develop skills and insight on coping with a diagnosis and teaching others wellness techniques.
When schizophrenia gets in the way
Despite all my training, I still have a schizophrenia diagnosis which occasionally rears its ugly head back into the picture. Whenever I became overwhelmed, I got stuck and my symptoms progressively worsen my situation.
The common factor in these episodes that led to my health setback and resignation was struggling with stress management and allowing my symptoms to run rampant.
Proactively managing my stress was key
When I took another hit to my wellness and employment it lowered my self-confidence. The next time I went to work I made sure I made my health plan to balance work, family, and my mental health a priority. That looked like maintaining my participation in support groups and practicing my self-care rituals.
When I was ready to get back in the field I mobilized all my resources, supporters, and contacts in the industry. This landed me a job through word of mouth. And, I delivered. The skills I developed while volunteering directly gave me an advantage. My experience and strong work ethic enabled me to finish my workload faster and do well.
Getting back into the workforce
Today I work hard at managing my wellness and work. I still get stressed about work and life but my experience helps me keep hope alive for better days.
If you're wanting to go back to work I encourage you to consider volunteering and going to workshops. The skills you develop in training will undoubtedly give you an advantage and make you a more desirable candidate for the job.