I have some questions that might give you some clarity.
How do you feel about the rest of your life--home? Is this feeling JUST at work or elsewhere?
You've had some serious medical episodes, and they can be EXHAUSTING and can cause depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. Medical issues can also give us perspective--you're now seeing that your job doesn't bring you joy, that it's stressful, and you dread it.
Does the thought of grad school make you excited, or is it another task on a list that you feel you need to do?
Did you ever like your profession/role/company? If it's your profession, consider speaking to a headhunter about how you could transition to a new profession.
If it's the role, can you transfer to a different department? I used to work for a huge corporation, and sometime you could get temporary stretch assignments to different departments to become more well-rounded (e.g., someone works as a customer sales rep and takes a stint in training so they can take that experience back to their department).
If you were written up, moving to a new role/stretch assignment could be more challenging, or you could frame it that this could be a good opportunity for you, the company, and your manager.
And as you're already doing, looking for a new job is always good. However, if you haven't had any bites (taking into account hiring in your industry), you might want to think about how you're interviewing. If you're depressed and bored, it could come across in the interviews.
Additionally, if your job isn't the entire reason you feel the way you do, getting a new job won't necessarily solve the problems, AND you'll be under more stress as you learn a new job.
As for going back to school, I’m 55 and am taking certificate classes to enhance my skills-- although the classes don't specifically relate to my role-- I wanted something different and fun but still professional. It's never too late to go back to school but don't do it if you aren't excited about it. It's expensive and exhausting!
Finally, if this boredom/exhaustion/anxiety is in other areas of your life (and quite frankly, even if it isn't, you might want to consider therapy.
Having a chronic illness is depressing. And depression feels different to different people. It's not always "I can't get out of bed." Sometimes it's boredom. Sometimes it's brain fog, sometimes, it's crying, and sometimes it's just apathy.
I get that you've got a good salary, and quitting/retiring isn't feasible, but could you look at FMLA for your congestive heart failure? FMLA isn't a "take all the unpaid 12 weeks at once."
We did intermittent FMLA for my daughter's medical issues. I just needed days for doctor's appointments, and quite frankly, after the driving, the appointment, the follow-up, and the stress, I just couldn't work. It wasn't every week, but there were days that I was willing to give up pay so I could reset myself mentally. It also helped that (at least for my company) I didn't need to use my PTO first. I was able to use that for relaxation and not feel that my family's illness was taking my PTO. Then we were able to use the PTO for a much-needed family vacation.
Intermittent FMLA may be a way you can see a therapist, do something that makes you feel better, and gives you some respite.
I'm sorry you're experiencing this, and I hope you get the care you need.
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