Hi everyone, Is worrying constantly about whether or not you're in the right career a symptom of OCD? I understand that even people without the disorder can look to change paths but I have been consumed for years at this stage with trying to find an alternative despite being very good at my current job, a job where I feel valued, is highly rewarding and complements my personality. I'm absolutely exhausted with the vicious cycle of trying to find a perfect solution to my negative thoughts. I don't know know whether or not it's the disorder or if my desire to change direction has arisen naturally. Not being able to make that clear distinction makes me feel even more powerless. I'm becoming depressed from this crippling feeling of urgency, repeatedly looking for a possible alternative to my current career and feeling reassured only to have my anxiety resurface with a vengeance and cause me to keep looking. My parents don't understand why I'd want to change from a job that they know I do so well. I've even spent quite a lot of money on part time courses upskilling as a result of my desperate pursuit. Has anyone ever experienced anything like this?

That sounds like GAD

My CBT therapist doesn't think I've GAD

Thanks for your reply though, appreciate it👍

Also: it feels like a determination to find the perfect intersection of career prospects, financial stability, interests, purpose and skills. Is that normal or is it a trait of OCD like perfectionism? I've committed an alarming amount of time looking for the answer online, a career that I identify perfectly with. Regardless of how satisfied I am initially it never lasts and the cycle repeats again. Nothing ever seems perfect and it's making me feel hopeless.

I think it is part of OCD. Then it causes depression. I have struggled with careers for years. Always in the same direction but constantly looking for more. Work on the OCD recovery and then revisit the situation.

I suffer with this. I’ll tell you this: it’s an actual problem for a lot of people. What differentiates most people vs someone with OCD, is how much it consumes you. It obviously consumes you and you feel uncomfortable with the uncertainty of your career decision. It’s very similar to ROCD, where you have an amazing partner but there could be something better and it freaks you out that you can’t figure out whether to stay or leave. The work has to be this- you have to learn to accept the uncertainty that this isn’t the right career path, and keep going along with your day. Once this rumination starts to quiet down, there will be a stronger clarity because you won’t be making choices based on ocd. You will stay or you will leave, but it won’t effect you that intensely. Just like a partner who you don’t know if you should be with, you will eventually make your decision but ocd doesn’t need to be part of the equation. I hope that helps

This deffinitely sounds like OCD

I experienced something like this going into college. Mainly because i felt so much pressure to do everything right and had massive doubts about myself. I could NOT settle on anything, because I'd think about every angle and how my future would look. Eventually I settled on something I knew I didn't like, I felt forced, but I picked it because I got reassurance from my family who told me it was such a great major. I'm on a different path now :)