Overworked. What can I do?

Freddie_Snowbits

Sharlee wrote: »

Is there anything else I can do?

Lesson No1. Join the Union

lynzpower

Sharlee wrote: »

Thank you so much for your replies.

The problem is that I work with clients at risk of serious harm. If anything happened, I'd have that on my conscience and people would be looking to scapegoat. I am also short term funded so I have been trying to prove my worth in the hope that I am re-funded. Also because I enjoy the work and know that I do make a difference.

But you're right I can't do it all and the overtime has to stop. I've resisted the urge to go in today to clear some admin and will be more forthright with my concerns to my boss.

Many thanks again.

Sharlee, I have been where you are ( used to work in CP)

I was going in on the weekends, working late every day, starting early, skipping lunch.

The problem with this is that you have no time to relax and remove yourself form the job ( Its v hard anyway) Without adequate time to relax, you can approach burnout ( as I did)

Are you in a trade union? Have you discussed this with them?
Has a stress risk assessment been done in your team? Is there any hope for one - speak to shop steward.
The other, and its unpopular for obvious reasons and especially in the light of your temporary contract is to raise a grievance under the Health and safety at work act that your management is not managing your caseload when you have clearly defined that your work is affecting your emotional health, therefore they are doing things that affect your health and they are knowingly doing so.
If other people in the team are suffering too, and im sure they are ( unless the work is being unfairly allocated to you?) a good option is to raise a team grievance, or a group grievance that identifies that you are all experiencing a very high anxiety environment.
If you are not in your union, maybe colleagues are and a team grievance ( i was told at the time) can include non unionised staff.

My heart goes out to you I have been there, it is scary. xxx

Savvy_Sue

On a side note, it is vital to take care of yourself. A weekly or monthly massage can help a good deal. Do you have external supervision? If not something of that kind could also help, especially in identifying what you need to do and how you might best do it.

But I agree with joining a union as well ...

Sharlee

Some really good useful advice here and thank you for the sympathy and understanding. I am glad I posted as I'm feeling better already, I don't feel so helpless.

I will let you know how I get on.

Regards to all

lynzpower

Yes keep us posted Sharlee and take care of yourself as best as you can xx

terra_ferma

lynzpower wrote: »

Sharlee, I have been where you are ( used to work in CP)

CP?
Community Police
Care Planning
Consumer Panels
Centre Point building
Crystal Palace FC
Corporal Punishment

Savvy_Sue

Child Protection ...

lynzpower

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Child Protection ...

Correct! :T:T:T:T

Anjiedee

I have just left a job that was really atressful and demanding, i worked in Bereavement at a busy acute hospital dealing with all the paperwork after a death, I rarely finshed on time, and i never had lunch away from my desk, most of the time not having time to eat, and like you if i had not got paperwork ready for the family by the time i went home, this would distress them very much and i felt responsible even though i was still waiting for the doctor,so very often stayed over 1-2 hours a night.

It got to the stage where i was so stressed with all the aspects of the job, having no time for my family, my children and my managers response was when i complained was, well i had to do it. It got the point where i was really unhappy, snapping at everyone and felt i couldnt cope.

I seen a Job i fancied on the Boots website and went for it, i was so lucky to get the job i was so happpy, when i handed my notice in, nothing was said at all, no thankyou for all the hours unpaid overtime or going above and beyond the job. Which i did for the bereaved families.

I have now been in my new Job a week and i have never been happier, life is too short to be so stressed at work, take it from someone who worked in bereavement.;)

getmore4less

One trick is to prioritise the tasks that move the job to the next person, BUT.

Time these responces so the person that gets them has to work over especialy if it is is bosses. If you respond too quckly they get back to you same day and you are the place holder.

So even if you read an email and can respond quickly don't reply prepare and hold unless it is really urgent.

Also watch for the I am doing someone elses job.

Another technique is to respond with questions for more info(even if you know how to find it, let the asker do the research).

The other key is to not spread too thin, thats when things go wrong or get overlooked.