Help! I’m burned out. I was home with my kids for 10 years and went back to work when my husband retired. I’m post menopausal and the brain fog is real. At work I keep being marked for errors and have been put on a 90 day PIP. Maybe I need to be a cashier somewhere quiet where the hardest thing to do is balance at the end of the day. I don’t feel like I will get through the PIP and I don’t think I have the bandwidth to do anything with complexity. I have no draw for anything specific. So tired.

Sorry to hear this. Can you speak to your doctor to see what help you can get? Also there are so many resources online how to manage these symptoms. There is a difference between not knowing your job versus experiencing natural changing symptoms that is natural. Perhaps use this 90 days to look at diet changes and other ways to help with brain fog or other symptoms.

To combat brain fog, adopt a Mediterranean or MIND diet rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, while minimizing processed foods. Prioritize hydration (6–8 glasses daily) and stabilize blood sugar by choosing complex carbohydrates like whole grains to sustain mental alertness.Key Dietary Changes for Improved Clarity:Boost Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consume salmon, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to support cognitive function.Increase Antioxidant Intake: Eat berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries) to protect against oxidative damage.Emphasize Leafy Greens: Incorporate spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, which contain essential folate and lutein.Switch to Healthy Fats: Use olive oil and eat avocados, replacing saturated fats like butter.Opt for Complex Carbohydrates: Choose whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice) over refined white grains to avoid energy slumps.Include Protein-Rich Foods: Choose lean meats, fish, legumes, and Greek yogurt to provide consistent, long-term energy.Foods to Avoid/Reduce:Ultra-Processed Foods: Fast food, pastries, and snacks that lack essential nutrients.High-Sugar Foods: Sweets and sugary drinks can cause energy crashes and increase inflammation.Alcohol: High consumption is linked to increased cognitive "fog".

All the best

Are you getting hrt? If hormones/menopause are the cause you need to let your employer know so they can support you properly.

It’s typical to assume a cashier position is easy. If you were cashier at a “quiet” place, you would also likely have many other tasks. I don’t have the answers though. I’m burned out also.

You took 10 years off and then tried to run the NY Marathon cold.

You’re not likely to make it through the PIP. That’s ok, you just need to ease back into it. It’ll probably take you a year in a low to middling job to work back up to that speed you used to be at.

What kind of errors?

Maybe a librarian

Hey girl so I know a company that hires remote you don’t need anything crazy just need a place that’s quiet if kids are home with you. And honestly the company is HONESTLY great to work for and their in multiple states.

Oh I feel your pain. This is exactly what happened to me . I was so good at my job. Then menopause came along and I lost all interest.
I was Making mistakes and I couldn’t concentrate. I was also full of anxiety.
I left that job and I am now applying to Dunnes stores as retail assistant .
Don’t be hard on yourself. Do what you think is right for you.

As someone in almost your exact position, brain fog, etc. Let me suggest that you make this two separate things to work on. #1 job, I don’t have any suggestions for you, hopefully someone else gave you a helpful suggestion. #2 menopause. Been there. I contacted MIDI Medical and got on estrogen and progesterone and it helped regulate so much that also attributed to getting my mental health and brain back. I had wondered if I had dementia, no more. Find a doctor who will listen and give you what you need to enjoy and live your best life.MIDI Medical is covered by insurance and is a telemedicine. When you can have your appointment from anywhere, it’s easy to fit into your schedule.

The struggle is real with menopause. Check with your doctor about getting some hormone replacement therapy - if you can take it it works wonders. Turns out I couldn't so I manage mine with essential oils and diet changes. In addition to the diet changes, we buy local produce and meats from farms in our area - I think the chemical-free food has helped too.
As for the job, maybe you should at options where you're helping people rather than being a worker bee - like that Empire Beauty School that was suggested. And if you are working just for your mental health, maybe you should try volunteering to explore an industry you're interested in? Its also a great way to bulk up a resume!

HRT stat.

I feel this. I was a stay at home mom for 16 years before my husband encouraged me to go back to work. I find that I get tired much faster than I used to. My first job after the break was working at a school during lunches and study halls as a monitor (Midday staff). It was good for me until I was forced to work cefteria and they outsourced my job. Went back to full time and it has been really hard. I'm between jobs right now (I will start a new job in July after an hellacious stint in a law office) all I want to do is sleep because I'm exhausted from the stress of my last position.

Awe, i am so sorry to hear this also. I think you are being too hard on yourself. It would be hard to transition like you are. I did not ever have to do that cause as single parent i always needed to work!! Maybe you miss being at home? Maybe you could do a remote job? Otherwise, see if your job will let you take series of little breaks?