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Anonymous

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Hello Community,

I am jumping back into the workforce, after an extended leave, due to health issues. I've been in Banking for the last 20 plus years, doing what I know how to do, but this field was "never" my dream field. In my last Banking role, I was really happy and thought... I finally found my dream company and I worked hard to get that position. The problem was.... the office environment was very unfriendly. I am always friendly and I enjoy meeting new people. What I noticed... was that some people seemed to have their cliques, which made it very difficult, to just meet new people. I always spoke to people, even if I didn't know their names. I was always helpful and trying to learn as much as possible, as a new hire. As time went on, I soon dreaded going into work.

As a result of my illness, I have experienced neurological/cognitive issues, which have affected my memory. I now have to relearn everything that I was once very good at, (Microsoft Office Suite.) I am concerned that I won't be able to function at the rate of speed that I used to. I have to find a new job and I don't want to go back into the Banking Industry, nor do I want to go back to the same company. I also want to pivot careers and work in the Entertainment/Production Industry and I believe that I have a lot of transferrable skills in an administrative, analytical capacity.

While I realize that this unfriendly climate can happen in any office, I just wasn't used to it. Does anyone have advice on how to deal with this type of office environment? Or advice on how to address this memory issue, if I am offered a new position? Any advice on pivoting careers and relocating from the East Coast to the West Coast?

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  1. Anonymous

    I would be upfront in your interviews so you know right away if they’ll accommodate you and seem to respect it. It might take you out of the running, but if you wait until you’re on the job they could look for excuses to put you on a PIP and terminate you in retaliation versus disclosing it making it eligible for disability accommodations. Emphasis what you do to address the memory issues and examples of how you overcome it. For example, you set notifications on your outlook calendar immediately for every task so you have reminders to enable you. I worked with someone with a TBI from a motorcycle accident and his honesty helped us work with his limitations and set him up for success

  2. Anonymous

    Thank you for your comment.

  3. Anonymous

    Get occupational therapy for your cognitive issues. Most offices are just like you describe, unless they are on TV. Start educating yourself about what’s going on in our country right now. The entertainment industry is in a serious slump, moving out west is incredibly expensive. Banking is actually a pretty good choice for you. Large companies with good benefits and lots of options. Good luck

  4. Anonymous

    I am sorry you had to deal with a very poor office environment - that's so difficult. This is definitely something I have had to deal with, and the only thing I can recommend if you end up in such a situation again, is to keep your head down and focus on your work. Liking what you do is more than half the battle, so be pleasant, but don't upset yourself trying to befriend people who don't want to befriend you back. We can't make people like us, and usually it's their loss. I would encourage you to be involved in groups or activities and/or with your family and friends outside of work to make sure you have the relationships you need.

    When this was going on with me, I just kept reminding myself I was not my job and that, while I very much needed it, it was to support my life; my life was not to support it, if that makes sense.

    Good luck!

  5. martaynofar7
    Taking time for your health was absolutely the right thing to do, and now you’re at a point where you get to think about what you really want. That’s exciting, even if it’s a little scary too!It's completely okay to feel a bit lost right now. It's like, you've been on one path for a long time, and now you're standing at a crossroads. The good news is, you have *so* much to offer. Twenty-plus years in banking isn’t just about the banking stuff – it’s about all the skills you’ve built: being able to talk to people, solve problems, stay organized, and learn quickly. Check https://pokie-spins-casino.com/ to get latest offers and best games. Those are valuable *anywhere*.

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