Hi. I just really need to get this off my chest and maybe hear some advice from people who have experienced something similar.
Iām 23F, graduated last year with Latin honors, and currently working in IT. I was originally hired as a UI/UX Designer, which is something I genuinely love doing. Ever since SHS, alam ko na talagang design yung gusto kong career path.
Everything was manageable naman before. I had my routine, I knew what I was doing, and kahit may stressful days, kinakaya ko.
But recently, our company dissolved our UI/UX team and transferred us to different departments. I ended up becoming a full-stack developer.
And honestly, I hate it.
Donāt get me wrong, Iām willing to learn naman. Iām trying my best to understand C#, React, databases, APIs, debugging, etc. Pero sobrang overwhelming. Every day, I feel anxious going to work because I donāt know what kind of task theyāll give me. I feel so lost and incompetent, especially when Iām surrounded by developers who already know what theyāre doing.
Whatās worse is that I have so much going on outside work.
My older brother is currently battling Stage 4 cancer. Heās undergoing chemotherapy, and our family has been struggling emotionally, physically, and financially. I try my best to be there for them, especially since they rely on me for certain responsibilities.
I also have debts and bills to pay, so quitting without another job isnāt really an option.
And hereās the worst part. I have an employment bond.
Lately, Iāve been absent from work because I genuinely cannot bring myself to go anymore. Every morning, I wake up feeling anxious and exhausted. Sometimes I just lie in bed wishing I didnāt have to face another day at the office.
Even Sundays arenāt peaceful anymore.
I usually spend my weekends with my boyfriend, and honestly, those are the only moments when I feel genuinely happy. He takes care of me, and for a little while, I forget about everything thatās happening in my life.
But every Sunday night, I start feeling anxious again because I know I have to go back to work the next day.
Sometimes I just want to stay with him and forget that I have responsibilities waiting for me.
I know that sounds irresponsible, but Iām just so tired.
Iām tired of forcing myself to do something I donāt enjoy. Iām tired of pretending Iām okay at work. Iām tired of constantly worrying about my brother, money, and my future.
I used to be so excited about my career. I graduated with honors, had so many plans, and genuinely believed I was going to build a good future for myself.
Now Iām only 23, and I already feel so defeated.
I donāt even want a high-paying job anymore. I just want a stable WFH UI/UX job where I can do something I love, earn enough to pay my bills, and be close to my family while my brother is undergoing treatment.
If someone offered me that opportunity right now, Iād take it in a heartbeat.
I know I should be grateful that I have a job, especially in this economy. But is it really worth staying somewhere thatās affecting my mental health this badly?
I donāt want to be unemployed. I donāt want to abandon my responsibilities. I just want to stop feeling miserable every single day.
To anyone whoās experienced something similar:
How did you manage to get through it? Did you eventually resign? Was it worth it?
And for those who had employment bonds, how did you handle leaving your company?
I genuinely donāt know what to do anymore. I feel like Iām slowly losing the person I used to be.
I just want to be happy again.