Hey there — I hear you. After a major mental health crisis I struggled for a year to find a job at all, and it took two more years of unstable and underpaid contract work to lead me to my current position, which compensates me fairly and is more enjoyable.

Do what you can, day by day. If you can, aim for part time work and manage your energy as sustainably as you can. There will be good days and bad days, and that’s okay. Know that you are not your work or earnings and you have value even if you’re not earning a dime.

l’ve found that developing routines and systems in my personal life has had helpful carryover into work life. Investing some quality time into yourself and your space and getting centred and grounded could be a good place to start.

You got this. Wishing you a slow, gradual, healthy transition into a path that works for you.

Try being your own boss, run your own business. You can work as much or as little as you like at it and can have much more control over your path.

Why are you limiting yourself to being an employee? There's a multitude of ways to make money.

I hear you.
After my mental health and physical health crisis, I didn’t have a job for 10 years. Working at a job for me was out of the reach physically and emotionally.
After 5 years, I started volunteering in the community.
Now, I am working part time. It’s taken me almost 10 years to get to where I am. And I still have ups and downs.
It is ok to take it easy and take time. One day at a time.
There are supports out there until you are ready to work.
You might want to apply for CPP disability to financially support yourself.
You can slowly build yourself up.
Taking time is the key. Rushing into it might get you to fall back again.
So it is ok!
Taking care of yourself will help you reach your goals, too:)