You may think you are able to work, but then find it harder than you expected. Alternatively you might feel that working part time is more suitable, or you might reach a point where you feel you must give up work altogether.
If this happens to you, talk to your manager or someone in your organisation's HR department.
Think about all the options - can you:
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take more time off?
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get more support to do the job?
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change the kind of work you do, or the way you work?
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work flexible hours?
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work from home?
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have conference calls instead of meetings?
If your employer is worried, they might ask you to have a medical assessment.
Deciding to stop work
Sometimes it's just not possible to keep working. If you feel like you have to resign, think carefully first. Make sure you are not feeling pressured to give up your job.
If you're giving up work, it is vital to get expert advice before you announce your decision. Resigning from your job is a permanent step. And the way you leave can have an impact on your finances.
For example, resigning voluntarily might affect your eligibility for certain benefits or insurance payments.
Early retirement is another option, but consider this carefully. For some people it's an advantage, but it leaves others worse off financially.
These matters can be very complex. Be sure to get reliable, independent advice about pensions, insurance and benefits before you make your decision.
You could get help from an independent financial adviser, the Pensions Advisory Service and the Citizen's Advice Bureau. The Macmillan Benefits Helpline might also be useful. Also see our list of useful organisatons in Support and information.