leave job or get signed off?

[vidal]

I joined my latest job in October 2006 - I work for a big investment bank. I took the job as a colleague of mine helped me in (she got in a few months before me) and I felt i couldnt say no even though it didn't feel right. At the time I had just lost my boyfriend of 5 years. I've been absolutely devastated by him leaving and was doign everything I could to get through 'til Christmas. However I'm no happier, my long hours are wearing my out, my doctor wants to sign me off work as I'm really depressed. I am unsure of whether to go for the signing off option or leave all together as I don't like the job. How will my cv look? Prior to this I did 7 months in another bank - the only reason I moved was because I was effectively headhunted by my current firm as a result of my colleagues' intervention. Things cannot carry on as they are. My colleague has told me I'll ruin her career if I leave and has advised being signed off then maybe taking a few months unpaid leave to go travelling rather than throwing it all away. I work for one of the big City institutions, in a job most people would kill for, but not me. help!

[pingping]

hi vidal, always think how you would present your current post / absences on a future job application. If you left the job then you could always term it a '3 month placement' so you would seem less flighty. if you really don't like it, then i would suggest leaving as being signed off won't help your work situation, but will probably make it more difficult for you to go back to after any time off. also, future employers may be put off by any long term sick leave.
ignore your colleague - this is your life not hers, and you shouldn't be forced into staying somewhere that is making you depressed.

good luck and the travelling idea could be a good one!

[Delgirl]

Do not take sick leave, I know from personal experience, unfortunately alot of employers are not very sympathetic and you may find things are made worse when you return. As for your colleague, how dare she, if your leaving will ruin her career, she is clearly not very good at what she does, thats just ridiculous, it almost sounds like she likes the fact that your miserable. Its your life and just remember your a long time dead!

[mosesg]

I suggest you should be honest with your boss and tell them that the posistion has not turned out how you expected it to and that you are not really happy there. they might them find you something else within the company or let you hand in your notice. I would offer to work until they find your replacement as this will mean that you will leave on good terms