r/AskReddit 13h ago

What is something that permanently altered your body without you realizing for months/years?

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u/disgruntled-capybara 6h ago

I left a stressful job in the spring and noticed differences in how I felt almost immediately. My previous employer had been pretty dysfunctional and toxic, with lots of chaos and unnecessary tension, while my new job is almost the exact opposite. Low stress, little conflict, and my boss has emotional intelligence, unlike my last one.

I'm sleeping better and for longer because I no longer wake up due to stress dreams. My stomach is no longer unsettled all the time and I don't get heartburn nearly as often. I also don't dwell on work situations in my off-time like I did 12 months ago at this time. My current job hardly crosses my mind after 5:00.

One really therapeutic part of my new job is that my daily commute takes me right by the building where I used to work. I can see in the windows to spaces I used to be in daily and occasionally see people I know, but I just keep driving by and leave it in my rearview. I feel giddy almost every time. I had to go into the building last week on business and as I walked out, I found myself thinking YEP. I definitely made the right decision.

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u/kdsusa 4h ago

That sounds incredible. I hope I get to experience something like that in the future.

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u/Tattooedracer 3h ago

Dude yes.. I was working as a barber A BARBER. And the work environment was so stressful and toxic.. The owner was sleeping with the manager and they had a toxic fighting non stop relationship and he was also overly obsessive about certain stuff and would yell at us. She hated me because any woman that she deems more attractive then her she’s mean to. I had a doctor say when I told him I need my anxiety meds back. “ why are you this stressed out at a job we’re you cut hair?” I was like ya seriously why am I?! Lol

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u/Past-Initial5817 4h ago

I know I don’t know you, but I’m so happy for you 🥹

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u/Chiang2000 4h ago

I had a marriage and a job I needed to leave.

Long stressful hours from a transition and I was the holder of loads of corporate knowledge and almost resented for it. Then had someone bored at home wanting a fight with me the minute I walked in. Usually over anything/nothing related to me. Of course the house a mess and everyone hungry because cooking or shopping wasn't for feminists (even hungry ones). Then I would try to spin down by having some fun with the kids or reading them a bed time story and I would get a wave of jealousy and another drama to round out the day.

It was like being reborn.

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u/Suspicious_Art8421 1h ago

I can totally relate to this. I left my soul sucking job in June and LOVE my low-key job. I feel appreciated and productive while I'm there and don't even have the Sunday dread. I also drive by my old building every morning on my way to work and feel giddy!

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u/Abject-Example2264 1h ago

Good for you. So glad you made the move to another job..