Hi Anita,

Thanks for the detailed response. See responses to your questions below.

In regard to work & confidence- What specifically in your current role has drained your confidence?
I just doubt myself over lots of different things. Its a 150+ department and lots of people get involved in things they shouldn’t as there is no real process to stop them. It;s made me doubt myself as people challenge everything you do.

Do you feel like the job itself is the issue, or is it the environment, expectations, or something else?
I think its the culture and environment. Certain people never really welcomed me into the team and make things difficult. I don’t feel like i have any real ally’s in the team.

When did you start questioning what you’re good at—was there a particular moment or pattern that triggered it?
No, I don’t think there has been one moment. But there isn’t too much process and you are left to fend for yourslef almost and learn as you go but it’s fast paced and there is no real time to learn at my level.

Are there aspects of your current job that you still enjoy, or has your enthusiasm faded completely?
I would say it’s pretty much fully faded if I am being fully honest. I am anxious most days before work and when I am there.

What used to make work feel fulfilling, and do you think that could be reignited in some way?
I use to feel trusted and feel like i knew what i was doing. I had a good boss, a supportive one and more ownership to get stuff done with less politics. I think it can be reignited one day but not in my current role as I don’t have the same passion for the company.

What about working in a coffee shop feels appealing—less stress, simpler tasks, more social interaction?
Less stressful, interactions with good people and animals and simpler tasks where I am not taking work home with me.

Do you see working in a coffee shop as something you truly want, or is it more of a contrast to the stress of your current role?
Definitely more of a contrast to the stress I have been use to. I like the idea of going and doing a simple job and going home and not having my phone blow up out of hours.

If you imagine yourself in a coffee shop long-term, do you think it would give you the sense of fulfillment you’re looking for?
No, I don’t think it would long term but I believe it could help my mental health in the short term.

What would help you rediscover what you enjoy and what you’re good at?
That’s the million dollar question I guess and I don’t know the answer currently. I would like to be happy again and not feeling like I am not but not sure how to fully get there. I have good days but more bad than good and with bills to pay etc it’s hard to just walk away. I also lack the courage to do it without something else lined up because of what the outside thinks.

What do you think about small ways to experiment with different work styles or environments before making a bigger shift?
Yes, that sounds a viable idea but it’s hard to do around my current role, I know I can chat to people in different roles and industries and perhaps that is what I need to do as a step.

Thanks again for the detailed reply.