Resignation vs Being Signed Off Sick

Little_monster

I started a new job two months ago and it’s just not suitable for me. The job is way above my professional abilities & I feel as though I have made a mistake taking this job. The caseload is far too much for me. I’ve made a few mistakes & had a couple of formal complaints put in against me as I forget to complete things as the work load is too much. I don't get my lunch & I am expected to stay late to complete work. My boss pulls me up on a daily basis for things I have done wrong & she is concerned I am not at an appropriate level for my grade of work.
My health is suffering as I can’t take my meds on an empty stomach so have to miss my meds at lunch. I'm physically exhausted after working late & can't cook for myself as I get a tremor due to my MS when I’m tired. I’ve been living off crisps and Jaffa Cakes for dinner this week. I’m so stressed I’m having nightmares about work & this is making me very tired the next day.
My family want me to resign but I’m concerned I won’t be able to get benefits. I do intend to get a new job asap but may need to claim JSA to tide me money wise until I get a job. Would I be better getting signed off sick? Can I apply for other jobs whilst off sick? I need to keep my current employer on my side as I need a reference although I’m not sure how good the reference would be.
Would it look worse on my CV to leave a job due to ill health or resignation after a short period of time?

Takeaway_Addict

Little_monster wrote: »

I started a new job two months ago and it’s just not suitable for me. The job is way above my professional abilities & I feel as though I have made a mistake taking this job. The caseload is far too much for me. I’ve made a few mistakes & had a couple of formal complaints put in against me as I forget to complete things as the work load is too much. I don't get my lunch & I am expected to stay late to complete work. My boss pulls me up on a daily basis for things I have done wrong & she is concerned I am not at an appropriate level for my grade of work.
My health is suffering as I can’t take my meds on an empty stomach so have to miss my meds at lunch. I'm physically exhausted after working late & can't cook for myself as I get a tremor due to my MS when I’m tired. I’ve been living off crisps and Jaffa Cakes for dinner this week. I’m so stressed I’m having nightmares about work & this is making me very tired the next day.
My family want me to resign but I’m concerned I won’t be able to get benefits. I do intend to get a new job asap but may need to claim JSA to tide me money wise until I get a job. Would I be better getting signed off sick? Can I apply for other jobs whilst off sick? I need to keep my current employer on my side as I need a reference although I’m not sure how good the reference would be.
Would it look worse on my CV to leave a job due to ill health or resignation after a short period of time?

Could you not be proactive, have a sit down meeting with the boss and talk to her about the issues, including the lack of lunch which clearly makes you under perform further?

At least buy some breathing space and get another job?

Either way a short term job won't look great but if you had a decent time at the job before that most employers would see that this current one is just a one off.

sangie595

Possibly, my opinion is that if you are sure, get your doctor's support to say that the job is causing a deterioration in your health and it is their advice that you resign. Your situation is then one of acting responsibly. You can tell a potential employer that you took on too much, and note that your are aware of your limits you are confident that their role falls within the parameters of a job you can do well. On medical advice benefits should not sanction you.

pmlindyloo

Are you single?

If you are then it is possible that you might have to claim Universal Credit instead of JSA.

However, if you have worked full time during the last two tax years then you can make a claim for contribution based JSA but if you have housing costs then you may need to claim UC alongside it.

In either case, as said you should not be sanctioned.

See

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/598396/admk2.pdf

K2076 for an example similar to yours.

Please visit the doctor so that you have evidence of your deteriorating health problems.

Also agree that a meeting with your manager would be useful. There may be a chance that another job more suitable is available. Are they aware of your MS?

Little_monster

They are aware of my MS. There are no current vacancies at a lower level. My boss has said she may need to start the disciplinary process due to the number of formal complaints put in against me but is reluctant to do so as she is aware how hard I am trying to get to grips with the job

Takeaway_Addict

Little_monster wrote: »

They are aware of my MS. There are no current vacancies at a lower level. My boss has said she may need to start the disciplinary process due to the number of formal complaints put in against me but is reluctant to do so as she is aware how hard I am trying to get to grips with the job

But are they actually aware of the importance of lunches to you?

ohreally

Little_monster wrote: »

but is reluctant to do so as she is aware how hard I am trying to get to grips with the job

Given your boss's awareness, what support mechanisms has she implemented to help you?

Auntie-Dolly

Sandwich/yogurt/fruit at your desk and a microwave meal in the evening? Might help in the short term.

Little_monster

My boss gave me a number for another office I could phone for help & advice. Any time I phone them the woman that works there says she is too busy to come over and help me which I believe is genuine. If I ask for advice I get lots of sighing and tutting & got given into trouble for asking a "silly question" yesterday.I'm new to this location & don't know what community services are available. I won't be phoning for advice again!
My boss went & got me a coffee & a cake yesterday as she said I looked really stressed & did some of my admin tasks for me

Little_monster

I tried to have a sandwich at my desk but got moaned at for getting crumbs in the keyboard! I'm having a smoothie & protein shakes at my desk to keep me going. I feel like I can't do anything correct and there is little point in me even going in to work.

Little_monster

My boss also arranged for me to shadow the woman in the other office who clearly didn't want me shadowing. She kept drawing me funny looks whenever I asked questions and told me she didn't want to chat to me at lunch as she was too busy on Facebook.