Turning a new leaf… a scary leaf

[lostNclueless]

Hi Gang. 

I’m going back to work today after three months off on stress leave. 
I have been on work cover as a result of a pretty horrible situation. Bullying and work load being the exasperating issues. 

im in a better headspace than I was but I am feeling pretty anxious. I’ve no idea what I’m walking into, there are also new managers now which is probably a good thing but also awkward because they have not met me. 

it has taken a lot of negotiation leading to this point. 
and while the supermarket I work for have agreed to support me I am having some trust issues. 

I know there isn’t much anyone can do. I just have to face this because not going back would do me more harm. 
I just need a little encouragement. 

this year has been awful. Just awful. 
and I’m feeling very apprehensive 

[8ppleTree]

Hi @lostNclueless 

Firstly, congratulations and well done on getting back to work. It must be a very mixed array of feelings for you, but after all you have been through it must be acknowledged that you have come a long way, you stood up for yourself and you can walk back with your head high.

It might be good thing having new management, as it could mean that the culture might have improved or be in the process of improving. And they get to meet the new you, the one who has been through it all and come out the other side stronger 💪  

I hope you have a fabulous day. Do something nice for yourself and take it slowly if you can. It will all come together again for you 💜

You've been through the awful year, think of this as turning the corner now. 

[MJG017]

Hi @lostNclueless 

The new managers may make it feel like a fresh start because of the fact you don't know each other yet.  I think it would be perfectly natural for anyone to go back feeling anxious after what you've been through.  The exact same thing as the trust issues.  It's just your minds way of trying to protect you from the same happening again.  It will take some time for them to rebuild that trust, as it will for you to accept it from them.

It takes a lot of strength to get to this point of getting back there so while you probably wont trust them for a while, trust yourself to do what is best for you going forward.  I hope it all goes well for you and can help you begin to heal from what happened.  Good luck today.

[oceangirl]

@lostNclueless Hope today went well for you, and you were given support. What supermarket do you work for? I've had a hand injury, from just after Christmas (23) and is still current. You're not alone in experiencing a toxic work culture. I work in a supermarket and have experienced similar. Keep your chin up. 

[lostNclueless]

@oceangirl 

Im a little bit hesitant to name the brand online even in a closed forum. 

but today went well I think. it was a little rough, I’ve been away for three months and after a meeting with management and union rep at the coffee place next door walking in was so sereal. 

it’s hard to put into words but it’s like for everyone else what happened to me and what I’ve been dealing with never happened? 

some things are still the same. Our stock room is really congested. But I am no longer responsible for that. 

so I just tried my best to put the blinkers on. 

[SkySeeker22]

Hi @lostNclueless 

The biggest of congratulations on getting back to work after what you have been through! I completely understand how hard it would have been for you not only in the lead up to taking this big step, but just getting through your shift as well. You must have been exhausted after being back, so well done on checking in here on the forums after too.

I have had a bit of time off work on workers comp too, and experienced the same thing when going back... it's like for everyone else it never happened. It makes it a bit weird, but I think it's good in a way as you can just get on with doing the job you are there to do.

I think it's a great strength that you have in being able to "put the blinkers on". Focus on you and what you need in this process of going back to work. If something you see (like the stock room ) is a bit out of sorts then it's not your thing to worry about any more. 

Hopefully as you continue to go to work things become a bit easier and feel a bit more natural for you.

Remember we are always here to listen if you need to vent, and to celebrate those wins with you too!

Warm regards

SkySeeker22