have you ever remained in a job you don't quite like for your coworkers?
If you read my history you'll know I'm a nurse applying for a position that's gonna mean less money but also less physical job, stable sleeping patterns and your regular 5 day workweek.
today I said goodbye to a group of coworkers I like working with. I was discreet about the new job, but I'm gonna miss working with them.
Disability forced me to see how work is far more to your psychology than just a means of survival or wage slavery. It plays a major role in giving life purpose. For instance, many people without the experience would say that my life, being stuck in bed most of the time would be great. The thing is, other than the pain, without a sense of purpose that a job creates, it is challenging to find and maintain an equivalent sense of purpose on your own. I have to take deep dives into hobbies and subjects to achieve a similar sense of purpose and satisfying accomplishment. I don't have the means or physical ability to take classes, and I have no social network to speak of at this point.
You have taken a hit to your sense of self and purpose in life. You're willing and capable of making decisions that are logical over the emotionally easier path of ignoring the logical in favor of the brain chemically addictive decision that has a poor long term benefit for you.
It will take time to find your place elsewhere and develop a sense of fulfilling purpose, but you've done this many times before in your life.
Everything is ultimately brain chemistry. Relationships of all kinds can be greatly oversimplified as addictions. It is okay to admit your addictions. It is the first step in recovery, even if those addictions are platonic and employment related. Like all breakups, this too will pass with time. Give yourself the opportunity to heal emotionally too, and recognize your needs for purpose by filling the interm with a fulfilling personal interest like hobbies or reading to bridge the gap.
I worked construction for a while. Its long days, lost weekends and hard work. I had a great team and enjoyed the work.
But I also started a family, so after thinking long and hard about it, I told my boss and my team that I'd stay till we finished the project but after that I was done. I wasn't going to miss my child's milestones or family time.
It worked for me because I had a great relationship with my bosses and my teammates, I was a huge contributor and always went the extra mile. There was a strong mutual understanding and there no was malice from either side.
Half a year later we finished the work ahead of schedule despite client induced delays. We shook hands on my last day and that was it.
I still miss the team but I don't miss the work-life. We still catch up for drinks every now and then. Life is life, pick your priorities and what makes you happy, don't look back.