Can a simpler job help with mental health?

[Latubmen]

I used to work in intellectually demanding field, but before working in that profession, I don't remember having depressive states. I remember thinking about ctb back in school once, but after starting of working in that field I've got clinical depression at least once.
Long story short, It's hard, I would say, impossible for me to handle work good enough because my cognitive abilities, mood and memory drop, I become pessimistic, not communicative, I would become afraid of losing job, being homeless, I would become very inefficient. This period usually starts in Autumn and finishes in beginning of Spring, the other time I would perform about acceptable. Also this work requires learning, and I don't like the work itself, I don't want to grow as a specialist and the work is too hard for me, I'm feeling not smart enough, and one of the important traits is that one doesn't work on something the same, most of the time it's something new and complicated.
I think about cbt everyday lately, but before doing that, maybe it has sense to try find a fitting job? Reasons for cbt is not only a job, but also my maladaptivity, laziness, lack of communication and will to communicate, no will to live and to strive for something.

To be honest, I can't imagine right now that it's possible to like some job for many years because I didn't have that experience.
I think maybe if I could get a simpler job where I would feel that I actually can accomplish it stably and it would not be too intelligently and mentally intense, i.e. some simple/repetitive job that can be done on autopilot even if stressed/depressed, than maybe I could become more mentally stable.

Did anyone change his life for better after changing job? Would be interesting to read some stories.
And what jobs could you advise for mentally unstable people?

Thanks in advance

 

[Forever Sleep]

I think it depends really. I've known it work in both directions. Someone who had a very high stress job who became a delivery driver during the pandemic and loved the release of all that stress. I worked 10 years in retail and hated it because I always wanted to be creative.

Depends on how much of yourself you want to put into your work. Depends how much of it is interwoven with your identity. Depends on whether you find the work degrading. You can bet that in some jobs- the customers will treat you in a degrading way. So- it depends on how resilient you can be in that case. Depends on whether you will feel like you failed. (Not saying you have- it's just whether you will tell yourself that.)

I also stepped down a couple of times from Head of Department jobs to what on paper would be considered a lower role but- for me, it was the right choice and I didn't regret it. Same as you- it was because I found it too stressful. They weren't wage slave jobs though- I quite to become a creative freelancer because- that's what I was missing- being creative.

Ultimately, I think we are happiest when we can pursue what we love- although- climbing to the top isn't always the best thing. In some cases, companies that have a great reputation and are considered the best actually treat people terribly. I've always prefered smaller companies- the whole big fish in a small pond concept- although, I'm really only a regular sized fish. I was miserable as a small fish in a big pond though- they treated most of us like plankton in fact!

If you're not even getting much from what you want to do though- maybe a whole new start is worth considering. I think most jobs can be bearable with the right attitude. I've just never been all that good at ignoring how much I hated wage slavery. In fact, there's every likelihood that a wageslave job is on the horizon for me again and it's a major reason I want to CTB. I know how they make me feel.

 

[Latubmen]

Thanks for your detailed reply!

I think it depends really. I've known it work in both directions. Someone who had a very high stress job who became a delivery driver during the pandemic and loved the release of all that stress. I worked 10 years in retail and hated it because I always wanted to be creative.

Yes, this it's kind of path I was thinking about regarding delivery driver. I mean the job where I know exactly what to do, even if I'm stressed out. Easy like: take pizza -> get in the car -> deliver pizza to the customer, ofc there are some complications with this profession as well, at least it sounds straightforward on the surface, because when I'm stressed, I cannot think clearly and doing complex research job makes me more depressed, because I cannot do it or at least it looks nearly impossible to do. I miss that feeling of accomplishment, even of simple job, when one has successfully accomplished something and goes home feeling secure that I am actually capable of doing something and earn for living.

Actually unlike you, I would like to have something not creative, even vice versa - repetitive
Although, my concerns are that this kind of jobs might be replaced by AI and/or automated, and that what makes an employee valuable and "irreplaceable" is knowledge and skills, some merits.. And this is contrary to stable job (when one is easily replaceable)...
So the solution might be becoming a specialist in a field that one will like, and be interested in growing as a professional.

I also stepped down a couple of times from Head of Department jobs to what on paper would be considered a lower role but- for me, it was the right choice and I didn't regret it.

Great, good that it helped

I've always prefered smaller companies- the whole big fish in a small pond concept- although, I'm really only a regular sized fish. I was miserable as a small fish in a big pond though- they treated most of us like plankton in fact!

The same, best and most relatively stable jobs for me were at little companies

If you're not even getting much from what you want to do though- maybe a whole new start is worth considering. I think most jobs can be bearable with the right attitude. I've just never been all that good at ignoring how much I hated wage slavery. In fact, there's every likelihood that a wageslave job is on the horizon for me again and it's a major reason I want to CTB. I know how they make me feel.

Yes, I definitely would like to do something different this time. Ideally I would like to have some +- simple and stable job, and be creative in the free time if I want to, as it turned out, I can't perform stably acceptable at creative/research tasks. I didn't ever work for myself, I guess the responsibility and stress can be immense.
Wish you to be able to do what you enjoy the most

 

[blacksand]

I was handed a job back in Feb-March as a long distance van driver, 7 hours each way every night with a total of 14 hours return. I very very very very stupidly quit it after 2 weeks because I didn't think I could handle the hours but then in the last week of doing it (after I'd handed in my resignation) I finally adjusted and started to really love it (plus the $1500 a week paycheck wasn't bad). It's one of the big reasons my suicide ideation finally went to 10 because I've been an unemployed neet since then. If you like driving then any kind of long haul trucking is great but be warned that it took a month to adjust to the 70 hour weeks so don't throw it in too quickly if it seems impossible.

 

[tinyghost]

like forever said, it really depends. for you it seems like you either need some sort of treatment to improve your health or find a more accommodating job (or both!). there is absolutely zero shame in a "simple" job or whatever job you want. success and mile markers are completely made up concepts and many of us are physically and/or mentally incapable of it, largely because its unnatural. medication and therapy might really help as well. since it sounds like your depression is more seasonal, a light box and vitamin d might be something to look into.

 

[oneeyed]

People have already stated this but it's going to be dependent on the individual. Going from a profession that demands a great deal of intellectual prowess to one less so could definitely help with stress but for how long?
Why did you choose your profession? The challenge? Money? Family influence? If it was to challenge yourself, you may also consider if you're not exercising your mental capacity, that could lead to boredom and basically back to where you started.
If you were to get a less intense job, consider adding a hobby/side hustle related to your current profession. This way it's on your terms so the stress is greatly reduced. You would have the more "basic" job to put food on the table and pay the bills and the hobby/side hustle as an escape and be therapeutic mentally.

 

[Latubmen]

I was handed a job back in Feb-March as a long distance van driver, 7 hours each way every night with a total of 14 hours return. I very very very very stupidly quit it after 2 weeks because I didn't think I could handle the hours but then in the last week of doing it (after I'd handed in my resignation) I finally adjusted and started to really love it (plus the $1500 a week paycheck wasn't bad). It's one of the big reasons my suicide ideation finally went to 10 because I've been an unemployed neet since then. If you like driving then any kind of long haul trucking is great but be warned that it took a month to adjust to the 70 hour weeks so don't throw it in too quickly if it seems impossible.

Thank you! Feel sorry that that happened to you, hope the situation will be resolved in a best way for you! Maybe you will find a job to your liking, I actually found a job after SIs and severe depression, the gap between jobs was more than a year, I enjoyed this new job, so it's possible

Btw, I was thinking about truck driving, my concern is that I can harm other people, I've read that in one of countries it's illegal to drive a vehicle for a depressed person.

like forever said, it really depends. for you it seems like you either need some sort of treatment to improve your health or find a more accommodating job (or both!). there is absolutely zero shame in a "simple" job or whatever job you want. success and mile markers are completely made up concepts and many of us are physically and/or mentally incapable of it, largely because its unnatural. medication and therapy might really help as well. since it sounds like your depression is more seasonal, a light box and vitamin d might be something to look into.

Thank you!
I also think that there's nothing bad in simpler jobs, before the described job, I worked at non-qualified jobs, one of them was cool in the way that I could actually handle it and I was feeling stable, this feeling of usefulness and accomplishment is what I miss.

a light box and vitamin d might be something to look into.

Maybe I should give it a try

About the therapy, I've done that before, even not once, and I enjoyed it, especially the possibility to tell everything I feel and think of.
But it all boils down to actual actions, therapist cannot solve all person's problems, and of course that makes sense. To be honest, I just don't want to fix my life right now, I want to do nothing and then either ctb or take another attempt to fix my life. There's indeed some seasons-based stuff, but the way it manifests itself, I just don't want to experience this again and again

 

[Little_Suzy]

I believe that a job where you enjoyed the people, the work itself, and the paycheck would do wonders for mental health.

My workday would be half-day. 4-5 hours


I want to be a competitive eating champion. How do you train to eat that much food?

 

[Latubmen]

People have already stated this but it's going to be dependent on the individual. Going from a profession that demands a great deal of intellectual prowess to one less so could definitely help with stress but for how long?
Why did you choose your profession? The challenge? Money? Family influence? If it was to challenge yourself, you may also consider if you're not exercising your mental capacity, that could lead to boredom and basically back to where you started.
If you were to get a less intense job, consider adding a hobby/side hustle related to your current profession. This way it's on your terms so the stress is greatly reduced. You would have the more "basic" job to put food on the table and pay the bills and the hobby/side hustle as an escape and be therapeutic mentally.

Thanks for the answer!

I was younger and didn't think too much actually, it's hard to describe, I was following three intuition and feelings. And also I knew that this profession is well paid and I was pretty interested in the field. Now after years in the profession I know that I cannot and don't want to reach some heights in the field, I am not a good pro, because I have lost interest and I frankly was useless latest time, and I have a very strong inner resistance to learn something if I don't want to.

If you were to get a less intense job, consider adding a hobby/side hustle related to your current profession. This way it's on your terms so the stress is greatly reduced. You would have the more "basic" job to put food on the table and pay the bills and the hobby/side hustle as an escape and be therapeutic mentally.

I don't want a challenge tbh, I would really go with more "basic" option as you've described. And then do some creative/challenging stuff as hobby if wanted

I believe that a job where you enjoyed the people, the work itself, and the paycheck would do wonders for mental health.

My workday would be half-day. 4-5 hours


I want to be a competitive eating champion. How do you train to eat that much food?

I wish it was easy to find such a job

The stomach can be stretched, so gradually increasing portions should work, though it would be nice to stay healthy. I would google for a professional opinion

 

[gbi2]

I used to do jobs that had a certain demand and switched to a job with a more physical aspect but still with a bit of admin and computer work. I would have loved that job had I have had support and proper training and not been managed out, so yes I would recommend trying a simpler job, but it can be very soul destroying if you get bad colleagues.

A friend of the family who used to be an it project manage did cleaning jobs at weekends and said he preferred the cleaning jobs. One day he sold everything he had and went to try and live off grid saying he'll do odd jobs for people to earn enough to survive. Never saw him again.

 

[ollo]

I used to work in intellectually demanding field, but before working in that profession, I don't remember having depressive states. I remember thinking about ctb back in school once, but after starting of working in that field I've got clinical depression at least once.
Long story short, It's hard, I would say, impossible for me to handle work good enough because my cognitive abilities, mood and memory drop, I become pessimistic, not communicative, I would become afraid of losing job, being homeless, I would become very inefficient. This period usually starts in Autumn and finishes in beginning of Spring, the other time I would perform about acceptable. Also this work requires learning, and I don't like the work itself, I don't want to grow as a specialist and the work is too hard for me, I'm feeling not smart enough, and one of the important traits is that one doesn't work on something the same, most of the time it's something new and complicated.
I think about cbt everyday lately, but before doing that, maybe it has sense to try find a fitting job? Reasons for cbt is not only a job, but also my maladaptivity, laziness, lack of communication and will to communicate, no will to live and to strive for something.

To be honest, I can't imagine right now that it's possible to like some job for many years because I didn't have that experience.
I think maybe if I could get a simpler job where I would feel that I actually can accomplish it stably and it would not be too intelligently and mentally intense, i.e. some simple/repetitive job that can be done on autopilot even if stressed/depressed, than maybe I could become more mentally stable.

Did anyone change his life for better after changing job? Would be interesting to read some stories.
And what jobs could you advise for mentally unstable people?

Thanks in advance

Thank you for putting your in thoughts in words. I'm also in similar state.

 

[Latubmen]

I used to do jobs that had a certain demand and switched to a job with a more physical aspect but still with a bit of admin and computer work. I would have loved that job had I have had support and proper training and not been managed out, so yes I would recommend trying a simpler job, but it can be very soul destroying if you get bad colleagues.

A friend of the family who used to be an it project manage did cleaning jobs at weekends and said he preferred the cleaning jobs. One day he sold everything he had and went to try and live off grid saying he'll do odd jobs for people to earn enough to survive. Never saw him again.

Thank you! Agree, having a nice team is important.

Interesting story, I can feel him in a way

 

[Kit1]

I know a few people who have changed careers - in both directions and I don't know a simple person who regretted their decision.

About 23 years ago (in my early 20s), I had a professional job that paid my more than what I am paying in my current role and I didn't have too many rules to.follow either. One day, I quit my job and took the first possible role and still in the same role - only miss the pay, but I adjusted.

Better to have a job that we like than on we don't like.

 

[Latubmen]

I know a few people who have changed careers - in both directions and I don't know a simple person who regretted their decision.

About 23 years ago (in my early 20s), I had a professional job that paid my more than what I am paying in my current role and I didn't have too many rules to.follow either. One day, I quit my job and took the first possible role and still in the same role - only miss the pay, but I adjusted.

Better to have a job that we like than on we don't like.

Thanks for the feedback! Good, looks like you like this job more if you are still there. I hope more people find jobs to their likings.

 

[Jolene79]

I just went along with higher education then working in London chasing more money and responsibility. Because that's what we are supposed to do right . When I got older I became more depressed with the work and hated it. When I worked in the corporate sector that was the most hideous experience ever. It was hideous but the money was great.

The most satisfying rewarding and none depressing work for me was when I worked with vulnerable adults. Not in management but relatively low to average pay, don't take any work home. There's something about working with other people who are suffering that can be really grounding. It isn't about chasing profits which I personally found really difficult to deal with. I'm not cut out that way. If you can earn enough to get by that's enough. I know many people who left high powered jobs to be a postman and were significantly happier

 

[Latubmen]

I just went along with higher education then working in London chasing more money and responsibility. Because that's what we are supposed to do right . When I got older I became more depressed with the work and hated it. When I worked in the corporate sector that was the most hideous experience ever. It was hideous but the money was great.

The most satisfying rewarding and none depressing work for me was when I worked with vulnerable adults. Not in management but relatively low to average pay, don't take any work home. There's something about working with other people who are suffering that can be really grounding. It isn't about chasing profits which I personally found really difficult to deal with. I'm not cut out that way. If you can earn enough to get by that's enough. I know many people who left high powered jobs to be a postman and were significantly happier

Care for elderly people is needed nowadays.
Overall, most of the answers straighten this idea that changing job can be helpful. Thanks!