Staying Sane at Work?

satchmo1

Hi

I don't know where to ask for help, but as a long time MSE'er this is my forum of choice so I'll start here.

Having gone through the pain of redundancy I now work for a charitable organisation that fits my beliefs. However, the person I work for is making my life a misery. My workload is more than 2 people could comfortably cope with, and I often do about 5 hours extra a week trying to keep on top of it. The person I work for says everything is urgent (and believe me that person works incredibly hard themselves). But, I didn't manage to complete something when I was supposed to (turn a task round in 2 days). I was wrong in not saying at the outset that it would mean not doing any other tasks. I was also wrong in not saying on day 2 that I wasn't anywhere near completion.

However, am I right in thinking that that person had a duty of care to recognise that if I was also expected to attend two x 2-hour meetings during day 2 then it would be physically impossible to complete the first task in the time available?

I'm not an assertive person, and instead get really upset.

Has anyone got any constructive suggestions on how to maintain my sanity and managing my workload. One other fact that might inform how realistic the manager is (??) they have had 5 other assistants in the 2 years before I joined, who left/transferred teams

Savvy_Sue

It doesn't sound as if your manager is a great manager, because yes, I'd hope even a semi-competent one would check your progress and not set impossible deadlines.

However, until you give them feedback about the impossibility of those deadlines, they may not realise it's impossible. Even if you do give them feedback, they may be unable to respond helpfully.

How long have you been there, and what are the arrangements for line management / supervision? I see my manager roughly monthly, and that gives me a chance to feedback on how things are (impossible workload is a regular complaint!) and what to do next.

You might want to send a PM to Glad and MrsTine asking them to move this thread to the Employment board.

jenniewb

OP, what your trying to do is not easy by any stretch- it takes most people alot of confidence to speak to the person in charge and (in a nice way) mention their failings. Don't feel that your not being confident enough as it does take quite a bit more confidence then usual!

I would say, take a note pad, take some time and write down exactly what is wrong (or you could just print what you wrote above!)

Next write what you want the outcome to be- either smaller workload or shared workload or more respect...or all of them and more.

Then go back a step: what could you say to try to get your boss to see where your at and what you want.

I wouldn't mention the others leaving, let her do the guess work, but make it clear that if things don't change, you will have no option other then to leave. You don't need to apologise when you state this, or cover it up with "I don't think I am good enough" or "your so much better at the job then me and I can't keep up" fact is she is the manager, as well as taking an important role in the company, its her job to help you as staff, be empathic to what your needs are and what your abilities are and to listen to what you have to say. If she can't do this then maybe she needs to rehink her role (you don't need to say that bit!)

Maybe see if you can find a friend to practice on, if they can give feedback, even better but if this is not an option, practicing outloud at home would also be a good idea.

Take your note pad in if you need to- theres nothing wrong with doing that, its important you can say everything you want, or write a letter to your manager then when she has read it, she will likely want to discuss it with you.

Always_Harassed

I have been there and the best way to protect your sanity is to leave. Have worked a few times for charities and have always found them to be poor employers that think you should put up with anything as they are working in a good cause. One time when it was particularly bad I sent a letter, after I left, to head office listing the problems. I didn't want to cause problems but though it might help the person that followed me.