Job Issue

Lux23

I will try to keep this as brief as possible. Basically I have a job in an area I really love, but I have the workload of two people - I have brought this up at two occasions and nothing was done really. I was more or less told I had to deal with it. So I tried to, and I was ok for a few months with a break in between.

But every Monday I am depressed, crying, anxious and panicky. I can't make decisions, I can't even concentrate enough to do a few hours work nevermind the long list of things that have to get done. Then as the week goes on, my mood improves and I feel a little bit human by Friday morning. But then the cycle starts again.

Nothing else in my life is making me unhappy, I know it's the job. I have applied for several jobs over the last few months - I was close to getting another this week but they told me this morning I am too over qualified for the position and that I should be aiming higher. I couldn't really be honest about my situation so I can't blame them.

I am desperately unhappy, and I feel so trapped. I either have to stay here in a job that is making me unhappy or I have to choose unemployment or going sick.

I am sure there are thousands like me who are feeling the same way, but I don't think I can cope with it for much longer.

Diziet

I think you should keep looking for an alternative - if you came close then you will be ok to find something else. Prepare a positive explanation of why you are applying for less senior jobs than you are qualified for (if that is what you are doing). Something along the lines of 'I would very much enjoy a more operational role', or 'I have been in management for 10 years and I really would like to be an individual contributor for a while' or something to say that ok, it is less senior, but you would enjoy it and they are getting a very qualified person for their money!

Workwise, just make a list, work through it, and at the end of the day, stop! Things will just have to be left undone, there are only so many hours in the day. Your employer is getting a very good deal with you doing the work of two people and probably has no incentive to do anythng about it if the work gets done.

It would be of benefit to take a few days off and chill. It is amazing how the outlook improves with a bit of a rest.

Merkin

I've been in your shoes and it's horrible. Being in a job you hate consumes you and you need to be as proactive as possible in finding another job. Dedicate time every evening to checking out job sites and corporate pages and apply for everything. It might also be worth contacting a reputable recruitment agency and making an appointment to see what the market is like and get advice on your CV etc.

Also, have you thought of taking up yoga or something similar? It would really help if you were able to adopt some relaxation techniques so you're not so full of anxiety and despair every Monday.

I feel your pain, I really do. Just work hard on getting out of there and finding another job asap.

Lux23

Yea, it's just I started applying for new jobs this time last year and things have gotten steadily worse. I also think my stress levels are obvious in interviews, I have a feeling that people know I am hiding something. I actually cried when I got the 'sorry, but thank you call today', the poor woman didn't know what to say.

Diziet

It is worth a chat with your GP if you are feeling so bad. They have seen it all before.

December2012

Try and treat your stress as a medical problem you need to deal with.

If you had a chest infection you would need to make lifestyle changes and take medication.

Lifestyle changes would be my first port of call, good physical exercise to help your brain switch off, a clean diet and lots of water will allow your body to function better.

Maybe go talk to your dr.

Eva_

Hey,

I know exactly how you feel. My job makes me really unhappy, but I'm a recent graduate and don't have much experience... I'm checking the job adverts every day, every evening with hope that maybe next week I don't have to go back there and I won't see my boss again. I have no support from my boyfriend, who has a great job and doesn't really understand my situation and only gets angry, because I'm upset and I cry again. But nothing makes me happy, even my hobby... I wish I could tell you something that will help you, but I can only tell you that there are people that feel like you... Keep trying and I hope you'll find a job that won't detroy your life.

I went to GP this week (after an argument in work) and his answer for everything was: stress, stress, stress, everywhere stress' and gave me a cert to take two days off. I am starting to think that there is something wrong with me...