What should I expect returning to work after a long time out of the workforce?

As many users here know, I am disabled due to mental illness. Last summer, I applied for a job certification program by the state working with other people like me who have mental illness. Most of the work will be with people who are newly diagnosed helping them fill out paperwork, get used to new daily routines, and other things of that nature.

I begin training for the job at the end of this month. It will be followed by an internship, and then I will look for a job in the field. I have been assured one particular firm will hire me on a part-time basis, which is all I want.

I am nervous. In the past five years, I tried returning to work and failed miserably. I ended up catatonic on my couch and quit after less than two months. It should be noted this job was in my old field of outside sales and was high stress. The new position will be part-time, and I set my own pace.

I am also excited. I believe I can help where it’s wanted and steer people to proper channels where they can get the services they need. As a person with mental illness, I will be a peer and not an authority figure. I will have no power at all over those I work with.

For those who left the workforce for a long period and returned, what did you experience? How did you feel?