Hello NT,

Everyone has been so supportive with their answers and information. I appreciate the kind words that are spread all across these forums. Personally, I'm having a little bit of a dilemma...considering applying for FMLA/leaving my current job. I have another one lined up that I can take in a few weeks, and considering doing so in order to properly heal the PCS that started in August.

Any thoughts on this and insight from your experiences on working vs. quitting in order to heal your PCS? I work in a very stressful environment and long hours currently. Scared to lose the incredible opportunity I've been given but also don't want to be like this forever as the symptoms have barely changed - maybe even worsened. Being at home and worrying about things isn't helping much though.

Thanks.

Hi Lily,
I worked in a competitive work environment, high stress with lots of hours prior to my accident. Early on I tried to stay involved, as my symptoms worsened I had no choice but to stop working entirely. I was making way too many mistakes.

Over the past year without working I have been able to become more aware of my symptoms and the triggers that exacerbate the symptoms. After almost 2 years I am beginning to accept that I will no longer be able to go back to work as I knew it. I have thought a lot about what comes next. Fortunately for me I am older and it is not as imperative that I get back quickly.

I guess what I am saying is I don't think the time off will hurt you, it is scary not knowing how far you can push. Uncertainty seems to be a new way of life.

I don't think you can expect a few weeks to make a difference. I'm not saying it will not help but just that you cannot expect and plan for an improvement.

I think you should make your job change decision based on which job will have the least stress on your life. Taking some time off to get settled and prepare for your new job would be worth something. I don't know how FMLA will make any difference. It is primarily used to take time off without a risk of losing your job. If you have any paid personal or sick time available, you should consider using it up if you can before you leave the current job.

I made the awful mistake of working, and not resting while my PCS symptoms exacerbated. Now I have seen no improvement in over a month and am terrified and depressed out of my mind. I will absolutely strongly urge you to make sure you prioritize your health over work.

I am 24, and was in my first real job since college, and doing a great job. Hoping to not lose the momentum, I kept quiet about just how miserable I was beginning to feel without adequate sleep, and the exhausting level of interaction required day in and day out of working. My one mild concussion continued to deteriorate because I just never rested, and now am on unpaid leave for the last month and a half.

Absolutely urge you to not make the same mistake. Just get fully healthy before you take on anything new. Make sure you prioritize the right things. Take it from someone who wishes he could just go back to August and begin resting a month sooner than he finally did. Sorry to sound alarmist, clearly I am dealing with plenty over here.

Best of luck to you!

Lily,

How would you view this without pcs...is it a move that interests you?

From my experience I would ask you...is this a necessary move or an anxious move? I think I would determine why and then make a decision.

Again this is just based on my experience. I have done more than I thought myself to be capable of and found anxiety to be a formidable liar and opponent.

Bud

I agree with hermanator, I wish I could go back to August and rest. As it's already been over 2 months, part of me feels like just pushing through still.

Without the PCS, this offer wouldn't interest me as much for sure. I love the job I have now and am deathly afraid of losing it, probably more than I am worried about giving my brain time to rest which I know is completely wrong. Anxious vs. necessary? That's my inner conflict now

I think I know the answer, but I'm just being reluctant to leave.

Lily, the one thing I hope you also consider is that when you're healthy and back to being your full self, jobs such as the one you love right now will always be on the horizon. I truly empathize because I was loving the job I was in as well and didn't want my managers to think I was being less than 100% committed, but just know that you can't really even enjoy the job with PCS symptoms.

Hope a speedy recovery for you!

Thanks Hermanator. You're right. I sure hope the job will be there when I am healthy again. It's just such a shame, all this hard work down the drain. I hope something positive will come from this, I just don't think I'm anywhere near that just yet.