Kirsty's story
One thing I know, is that I have built resilience.
I’ll start from the end, that seems like the best place. The end of my Corporate career, which had spanned 25 years.
I’d lost my passion.
I’d gone back to work after having my son, thinking that a ‘break’ was all I needed and it would all be great once I was back. It wasn’t. Did I even know what I wanted?
Strategic projects nearly made me stay, but I was disillusioned by leadership. They wanted change, but were not prepared to change themselves.
It hit me! That was why my passion had gone.
I decided to join another part of the group as my last attempt to find happiness again, but it transpired the role pitched was entirely different in reality. I raised this several times directly with leadership, but nothing was done.
Something did change though. I started being undermined in front of my peers and my own staff.
HR told me I could try to resolve the issues myself or raise a formal grievance. I continued to try to resolve for many weeks and was told that I should “just find another job”.
Now this is where everyone says “why didn’t you just [insert solution here]”. Hindsight being a wonderful thing of course. What I do know is that it affected my mental health considerably.
All the signs and symptoms were there, I just didn’t know what they were. I was signed off work. My mind went through every possible thought; How could I let this happen? What did I do wrong? Why didn’t I see it coming? What’s wrong with me? Why couldn’t I fix it? You get the idea.
I had some therapy sessions to work things through. I didn’t go back.
Why did it happen to me? There is no answer. It’s difficult to stomach, an accountant who needs everything to be balanced had no answers. But, it’s the fact of so many cases like mine, circumstances that combine to attack your mind when you least expect it.
It was, however, my turning point.
Recovery involved researching all I could on mental health and enrolling on an advanced diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling.
What it actually did for me was give me my passion back; one that I realise I’ve had all throughout my career, helping others.
One thing I know, is that I have built resilience. I didn’t know what it was when I was doing it, and I don’t think I would have come out the other end stronger and more passionate for my new career without it.
It’s an exciting and scary time, a tough mountain to climb, but I’ve got good boots.
Contact Kirsty on 07738 248852
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