Anyone change career due to anxiety? Success?

Hi folks,

I'm currently looking very hard at a career change to a more physical job.

I've worked in an office/ desk job for years, which involves work with an incredible attention to detail. I usually don't hear anything back, unless something is wrong...it's just the way it is in this industry.

I'm in my mid thirtees, and am looking at continuing in Plumbing and getting my license. I've done this off and on since I was younger, and enjoy it.

Have any of you, gotten out from behind the desk and seen improvements in your anxiety?

I also find mine is worse when I have to deal with a boss directly, and regularly..

Thanks for any help.

Ryan

It's funny I used to do work that was outside and physically tiring but now that you mention it my anxiety was much less if not gone, in comparison to recent work that was more like office stuff. You really might be on to something there...

It also was the fact I had less interactions with people for me that probably made a huge difference. Combined with being not tied to a desk/computer/phone. I really miss that. I am a wreck now so much more.

Thanks Mollybegood,

I appreciate that, even though I'm sorry to hear things have gotten worse for you.

It's definitely given something to think about.

i usually force myself to work regardless of what my anxiety tells me because if i don't then i'll just get worse.

Ive found that as well. I've taken the odd day off, and I just feel worse going back the next day.

My brother actually did this. He was going into a totally different field but before he even graduated from college, he went on to work in a warehouse type of field. Oil and gas is a good sector to look into. There are many jobs right now. Look at places like temporary agencies because they have lots of factory and warehouse type jobs. There may also be a retail store in your area for stocking positions. There are the most active jobs I know of.

I've worked many different type jobs. A few have been;

Army (rifleman)
Dairy hand
Stacking shelves in supermarkets
Electricians assistant
Industrial plant (by far the most physical job I've ever done)
Security (from crowd control to industrial guard)
Gym instructor and fitness instructor
Boilermaker

Now I'm in my forties I'm currently in a job where sometimes I'm on my feet all day, sometimes at a desk. I like mixing it up.


I wouldn't suggest hoping getting a job more physical will make your anxiety better or worse.
There are too many factors that are involved. But there is one thing I know.

Physical work is exercise. Exercise helps release natural feel good endorphins, which makes you feel better.
In the end if you enjoy your plumbing and can make a decent living from it, I say go for it :thumbup:

Thanks guys and girls. I really appreciate it. We'll see how it goes!

Ryan