Advice, stress at work, time off?

jamestherooster

Hi there, im obviously new here, but looking for a bit of annonomous advice of what i should do.

Basically i have a few seperate issues in my life which is really starting to get on top of me, culminating on me feeling dredd at the thought if going to work every day.

I have been with a company for almost 10 years, it is a salarised position, its a busy enviroment dealing with the public and i am in charge of maybe 10 people, but i have an immediate boss who also works along side me.
for the last maybe 5 years i have received only a small pay rise, while due to min wage/living wage, everyone else in my workplace is on a lot closer to my hourly wage.
i have repeatedly asked about this and been told basically everyone at my position and above is in the same position, and that i need to get on with it.
my contract states 39 hours, but i may be expected to occasionally do more to meet company standards, i dont think i have ever worked 39 hours in the whole time i have been there, at least 45 weekly, some times 60, but the problem has got to me more now, as if i work more than 48 hours i am on less than my supervisors,
but if i work more than 50, i am on less than living wage.
i have spoken to my manager, area manager, and all i get is, we are all in the same boat, im getting increasingly annoyed with this as you regularly get told you need to work one or both your days off, with no option to get it back.

im also feeling unsupported by my manager, as often ehen i ask someone to do something, the staff say the manager said they wernt to do this and refuse, the manager then denies this, but then i hear from other people that they were there when the manager said it, i have spoken to my boss that i feel undermined within my job, and im told to get on with it.
i also have a supervisor within my work who despite me working 50hours the previous week, has gone to the manager (they do this all the time and is friends with manager) stating i was leaving work early, and doing nothing while in work, when my mansger asked about this i asked why she feels the 50 hours i worked wernt enough, and why the supervisor who works 25 had any say on what hours their boss did?.
and that their was cctv all over our work place, and if the supervisor wished to complain, then they should do so, as i have zero to hide, but am disapointed that my boss, who can easily check cctv, and clocking in times, would even come to me with it.

Also, a little over a year ago i was diagnosed with cancer, over the last year or so i have been in and out of hospital for tests, scans, and operations to remove it, i had days off here and there for tests, and a week here and there (maybe a total of 4 weeks over the last 18 months), but in the last month i have been told i will need another battery of tests in the coming months, with possible procedures and treatment at end of it.

i cant tell any more wether its the worry of the cancer thats making everything else seem worse, or wether my issues at work maybe in some way feel amplified due to my personal circumstances.

ideally id love to find a new job on the same money, but i really cant handle the stress of doing managment at the moment, and also i get a few months full pay (at discretion) with my current job, so, its a big risk to leave when i have possible sickness coming up.
right now, i feel nothing but absolute dredd at the thought of going to work to deal with it all, i cant sleep at night, am starting to drink more, put on weight, and not leave the house, im actually shaking and feeling dizzy while going in, and just bring there, i am waiting for the next person to have a go at me, or the next thigs they are going to make me do for "the needs of the business"

i honestly fel like just running away, i though about going to the doctors and maybe taking some time off, but im scared the work will think im taking the pee and not pay me, or get rid at the next opportunity know the supervisor and a couple of staff have been gossiping saying they reckon im lying about having cancer, as they know others with it and they wouldnt be in work if thats what it really was, i cant prove that though, but i heard them talking, i told the manager but the people denied it.

i know ive ranted, and im sorty for that, but any advice would be great.
thanks.

jamestherooster

I realise it may be a difficult one, so does anyone know of somewhere else i could seek advice please, thank you all.

Mr.Generous

The workplace will still be there when you move on, you'll be happier for it. I'd try and stick it out until you get your sick pay, sounds like they want you to !!!!!! off before it. Also your position sounds like they might make it redundant because of the pay situation. Management pressured to work for nothing results in the good one's leaving and the idiots / !!!! lickers sticking it out. Sounds very much like a major retailer I used to work for, why on earth did I used to give up a day off when they hadn't enough staff to do some tasks while directors rake in huge salaries and senior managers all had flash cars, health cover, company mobiles etc. The guys and girls who actually did the work used to be well paid years ago with some decent perks and bonuses, all long gone.

There is more to life elsewhere, look for a growing company is my advice.

pjcox2005

I would suggest seeing the doctor if you are having those feelings. It doesn't mean you need to be signed off, it may just be that you could do with support from a counsellor (can be done over the phone so it's not time off) to verbalise the situation and consider how to minimise the impact of different issue on your mental health, or online training around coping mechanisms that you can employ to manage the stresses better, or some of the apps on mindfulness so you have a chance to reflect on all that's going on and put it into proper context of importance.


Ultimately it feels you need to address the job situation as it doesn't sound like you are getting the enjoyment or pay that you are after despite longer hours, and this may also be impacting performance which makes a revolving situation. Even if you're not ready to move, perhaps start thinking about CV, what opportunity you'd be looking for and then just keep an eye on things to see if anything catches your interest. Saying all that, this can potentially wait if you already feel to burdened by the further tests.


Ultimately, there is very little in employment you can't bounce back from if you make a wrong turn or a particular role is causing you issues. Your own sanity is more important but appreciate everyone needs to pay the bills.

Tiddlywinks

Cancer IS a disability - write to your managers and tell them that you will need to reduce any additional attendance in the foreseeable future as you are currently undergoing more tests and treatment and your stamina may be reduced. Confirm that you will still be working to contracted hours.

Also, ask (in writing) for a referral to the company occupational health provider so that they can help your managers understand your challenges and make them better able to support you at work.

This will then mean there is an audit trail of you raising your concerns on disability grounds... then wait and see.

In the meantime, don't take on too much extra stuff - you need to put yourself first and let the rest sort themselves out. Be polite and measured in declining requests and follow up in writing (email is fine - print yourself a copy) explaining, again, your reasons.

Excessive stress is not good when you're facing health concerns so see your GP for advice and support and just try to get perspective around what really matters.

Tiddlywinks

Ask MacMillan for advice:

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/index.html

jamestherooster

Thank you for the responses, ive had a long day at work and then a few sherrys, so i shall respond proper tomorrow evening when i Finnish work again, thanks again.

jamestherooster

Thank you for the responses, yes i think i will talk to macmillan, also ive just realised the type of cancer i have can result in hormones in my body causing mood swings, depression, outbursts of anger,i need to get that investigated.
I will be sending off emails confirming i am happy to do my contracted hours, but due to health issues are unable to do extra.

The person who mentioned making my fole redundant, i agree, ive thought for a while now that my position would become redundant, but no one else i speak to seems to think so, was rather hoping for a little redundancy payout haha.
Thank you all once again.