There is no 'work/life balance.' Work is a part of life. I do not cease to be living while I am working. Don't get a job that you don't really want as it will affect you negatively. When you have previously had issues at work it has affected you on a broad scale. I would try and get something less well paid that you really want to do and be chirpy rather than getting a well paid job that may drag you down.

Secondly, friendships that are worth anything will survive a few hundred miles. No question. We'd all just have to make a bit more of an effort to be organised.

Thirdly, I have really hurt my foot.

…was that gamer-y enough? 😛 Also, if you need to vent, you know where I am.

Here's some video game logic to chew on:

You know how sometimes you enter an area in a game, and it doesn't feel right? Nothing looks familiar and you have the feeling of "I'm notbsupposed to be here yet". Then inevitably you come across some enemies you're simply not equipped to deal with at the moment?

The later, after you've made your way through the world and completed some quests, you find yourself back in that area and trounce those enemies that once trounced you.

Sometimes life is like that.

Find where you're supposed to be and follow that quest line, sir.