work problem?

blondiegirl

Hi
Just want a bit of advice. Working in my family's company and have been for over 5years. I am completely fed up of it but I feel I need to stay on as it's a family business. Basically the company is under serious financial pressure and I am finding it extremely stressful. Most days I am on my own in the office until at least one and some days all day on my own I am working office hours everyday and most luchtimes and only getting €300pw. I know Im probaly lucky to have a job but at the moment id prefer to be on the dole(which I have never been on) because im so bloody stressed. I love my family but I just feel this job is killing me. Am I being a spoilt wagon?

Welease

That's a real tough one to call... Only you will know the real answer...

Do you have to sacrifice your life for your parents business? There's no rule that says you should.
Will they be financially ruined if you walk away and leave them to deal with the business without your resource?
Could you handle it if the company folded and they lost a lot?
Would they resent you for being the one who decided to sit down and do nothing (on the dole) while everyone else tried their best to pull through?

Personally (and my opinion stands for nothing), if you had a great or better opportunity to take then it would be a tough call... If you just want to sit on your ass and claim dole while your parents business fails, then there is an argument that you are being selfish.

I would suggest, you identify the causes of stress within the workplace, and work with your family to address those.. Less stress will lead to a more productive you which in turn helps the business.. Be proactive in your approach, rather than defeatist

AARRRGH

Some good advice above.

Three things jump into my head:

1. You need to talk to your parents about your situation.
2. If you leave, they will find someone else to replace you. It's not the end of the world.
3. Is there anything you could do to make your job less stressful? As weird as this sounds, when I find my job is getting stressful, I work harder! It seems to work for me.

Whatever happens, I wish you the best of luck.

bongi69

Its a quandry alright..
If I was in that situation, I'd sit down with the family and go over everything. They'll be more understanding than a boss you're not related to you.

If the income is a problem, and you are trying to support your own family (husband/wife, kids etc.) you can always approach the Social Welfare and look into the option of Low Income Family Support.

If you do decide to leave, you do have to take into account any feelings of being let down etc. that your family might have. But again, don't take this option without 1st talking to them. And you also have to remember that if you do leave, and they have to take someone on, that person might not be so understanding towards the financial situation of the company, would demand a higher wage, and possibly make the financial situation worse, leading to your family members having more stress, and possibly losing the business.

But definately talk to them before you make any decision whatsoever.

Raiser

Nah - You've a right to feel like you're trapped and I'd say your emotions are to be expected and are legitimate.....

- Best of luck with everything & definitely don't let it affect your health or feel like a bad Person......