Returning to work after extended leave - very nervous!

[Valleyjay]

Hello...I am new here and happy to find this forum. I could definitely use some insight as I am facing a change in my life. I have been off work for a year with depression and am now contemplating going back. I am working with a "rehab specialist" who is helping with a return to work schedule - she is recommending a 12 week phased return to work integration. The problem is that there is now a job coming up that I am eligible for but I would have to be ready within a few weeks!! I am not returning to my old job as it was in another province and I moved home due to my illness. So what do I do - jump in and get back into the routine of a normal life?? Or try a 12 week approach (with the fear of not knowing if there will be a job waiting for me in the end.) Both are causing me stress...there are times I feel ready and think it is time to get in the game again - but I am scared! The way the 12 week thing works is they find a placement for me (I work at a bank) and I get reacquainted with systems, procedures, dealing with public etc....but there is not actual position I am training for or will end up with. So which option is better - anyone out there have a similar situation with returning to work after an extended leave - what was it like???

[Obayan]

I think it would be best to follow the advice of the "rehab specialist". There's a reason why she is telling you this. Too often we start to feel better and jump right in over our heads and end up right back where we were.

[crystalgaze]

Hhmm.... Well, taking things slowly would probably work out better.

A few things I'd ask myself:
Do you feel you could manage?
Will the job train you/give refresher/crash course?
If it doesn't work out, will you cope well?

I can't say what you should do exactly, but maybe taking it slower might be a really good approach.