Does this stuff work?

Has anyone ever got rid of old stuff at work that they should have done and felt bad?

• I have been bad at work - I got rid of old stuff and now I wish I hadn't - I feel a lot of pressure at work - not through work but because I have had an extremely tough year personally. I am so worried that I will now get the sack as I haven't been a great worker this year - I was badly injured in one of the London bombs last year (please understand I'm not using this as an excuse) and my brain has been mushed up since. I have lost all my motivation and concentration, a lot of social skills at work and although I am lucky to be alive, my general attitude hasn't been brilliant. I have recently seen where I have been going wrong and I am so worried.

• Answer:

  Wow, you seem very hard on yourself! I know it's hard to not worry, but it's not healthy to worry all the time. I assume you have been in counseling? If not, sounds like you may benefit from it. Your insurance will probably pay for this, since you were injured, etc. At least you may want to get in some kind of support group, so you can talk about this with others in your same situation (maybe not EXACT situation, but going through hard times). Has your boss or co-workers given hints that you are going to be fired? Just because you FEEL lack of motivation and concentration, this may not even appear to others around you! Are you up for your yearly evaluation, is that why you are getting all worried? I think you are very strong for still working all this time, when you probably should have taken a breather! Maybe gone on short-term disability or such, but since you've stuck it out, I commend you! I have a co-worker that had a car rearend her, and really messed up her spine/neck. Looking back over the 1 1/2 years, she probably should have taken short-term disability and stayed home to heal, physical therapy, counseling, etc. She kept working, tough ol' broad. It wasn't the money, because Hubbie has a very good job. She just has this fantastic work ethic and keeps going, even though she's in so much pain all the time. The insurance companies don't seem too concerned with helping people out if they are able to keep working, even though in extreme pain. Can you afford to take a break from work for a few months and have a job when you return more healed? Let us know how you are doing, ok?