I relate all too well to the being so good at a job and then just… Brain fog! My brain fog felt so heavy I was filled with so much dread at my desk with my (often not even hard) to do list for the day. Can not believe you juggled renovations on top of your job and your family. So much to carry! This was so well written and can’t wait to keep reading
Thank you for the kind words! It WAS a lot to juggle and it’s so hard to notice that when you’re in it and it’s your normal. I’m sorry you dealt with brain fog too - it was the worst!! I hope you get something out of parts 2 and 3 so you know there is healing on the other side 🫶
I relate so much to the “who am I if not this” part of your story. Our identities can get so wrapped up in our careers and roles that it can feel like an existential crisis when that part of our life unravels. And, for me, at least, it was such a gift to find out the answer to that, even though it was really hard and some days still is. I look forward to reading part 2!
Yes! The identity piece was one of my biggest blockers to leaving. I still struggle with it sometimes but I agree it’s actually been fun figuring it out once I gave myself permission to let it be unknown for a while
I don’t know a thing about working in finance and our stories are very different, yet this all felt so relatable. I know what it’s like to hit that wall when you become a mother. Excited to read part 2!
Wow that means so much to know this resonates even with women outside of my industry. Thank you for sharing. I know you find the next two parts worth your time 🩷
Thank you for sharing this! In some ways, it is very relatable. And the brain fog - holy cow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that you got out of it. Brain fog is the main reason I still don’t work, combined with that my body just shuts down when I’m over stimulated. Even from the funny things. The losing-oneself-part is tough. Will be back for the part 2 when I have enough focus ♥️
Wow!! I relate so well to this. When I saw your photo picture, I immediately thought how did she get a picture of my work area? HA HA LOL. Seriously, I had worked from home for over 6 years, (my job is all telephone or video work) and I had no reason to "go back to work" when it was ordered from the president. My job was never meant to be in office because they needed office space for other departments and I see no patients face to face in person. Girl, I had a break down with anxiety, depression, not to mention I'm in my fifties dealing with menopause as well. I was called back to work from my quiet home office to your exact set up. They threw all of us into an open room with tables side by side, no dividers, no cubicles, and everyone talking all at the same time. It was like I was a telemarketer. I didn't handle it well at all. I write about mental health, wellness, sleep, anxiety, and everything unraveling. I shared one of my current articles with you if you're interested in reading. It was awful. I had to assess myself and see what I could do for myself as my own mental health was unraveling. Anyway, I appreciate your article as I've experienced it. Here's my site if you're interest. You gained a subscriber today ;)
I’m so glad the piece landed. It is definitely not an environment for everyone, and while I learned to love it at first, the older I got the more it contributed to my “sensory bucket” overload. I hope you’ve been able to transition to something that suits you better!
I relate all too well to the being so good at a job and then just… Brain fog! My brain fog felt so heavy I was filled with so much dread at my desk with my (often not even hard) to do list for the day. Can not believe you juggled renovations on top of your job and your family. So much to carry! This was so well written and can’t wait to keep reading
Thank you for the kind words! It WAS a lot to juggle and it’s so hard to notice that when you’re in it and it’s your normal. I’m sorry you dealt with brain fog too - it was the worst!! I hope you get something out of parts 2 and 3 so you know there is healing on the other side 🫶
I relate so much to the “who am I if not this” part of your story. Our identities can get so wrapped up in our careers and roles that it can feel like an existential crisis when that part of our life unravels. And, for me, at least, it was such a gift to find out the answer to that, even though it was really hard and some days still is. I look forward to reading part 2!
Yes! The identity piece was one of my biggest blockers to leaving. I still struggle with it sometimes but I agree it’s actually been fun figuring it out once I gave myself permission to let it be unknown for a while
I don’t know a thing about working in finance and our stories are very different, yet this all felt so relatable. I know what it’s like to hit that wall when you become a mother. Excited to read part 2!
Wow that means so much to know this resonates even with women outside of my industry. Thank you for sharing. I know you find the next two parts worth your time 🩷
Great piece Kristen. I worked in HF sales for 10 years until the wheels fell off when I became a Mom. Excited to read your next letter!
Thank you so much! I’m glad I’m not alone in this feeling. Please let me know what you think of the next part when it comes out Thursday 😊
I can't wait! Genuinely looking forward to reading it. I'm so curious about the next part of your journey!
Thank you for sharing this! In some ways, it is very relatable. And the brain fog - holy cow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that you got out of it. Brain fog is the main reason I still don’t work, combined with that my body just shuts down when I’m over stimulated. Even from the funny things. The losing-oneself-part is tough. Will be back for the part 2 when I have enough focus ♥️
I did get out of it thankfully and hoping you do too! Parts 2 and 3 are up when you’re ready 🩷
https://rootedrnwriter.substack.com/p/the-parking-lot-lie
Wow!! I relate so well to this. When I saw your photo picture, I immediately thought how did she get a picture of my work area? HA HA LOL. Seriously, I had worked from home for over 6 years, (my job is all telephone or video work) and I had no reason to "go back to work" when it was ordered from the president. My job was never meant to be in office because they needed office space for other departments and I see no patients face to face in person. Girl, I had a break down with anxiety, depression, not to mention I'm in my fifties dealing with menopause as well. I was called back to work from my quiet home office to your exact set up. They threw all of us into an open room with tables side by side, no dividers, no cubicles, and everyone talking all at the same time. It was like I was a telemarketer. I didn't handle it well at all. I write about mental health, wellness, sleep, anxiety, and everything unraveling. I shared one of my current articles with you if you're interested in reading. It was awful. I had to assess myself and see what I could do for myself as my own mental health was unraveling. Anyway, I appreciate your article as I've experienced it. Here's my site if you're interest. You gained a subscriber today ;)
https://rootedrnwriter.substack.com/
I’m so glad the piece landed. It is definitely not an environment for everyone, and while I learned to love it at first, the older I got the more it contributed to my “sensory bucket” overload. I hope you’ve been able to transition to something that suits you better!
I have after some “Reasonable accommodations” have been placed. Much better along with my own self wellness practices