Struggling

[hellohereiam]

I am recently back to work after maternity leave and am struggling. I am doing 3 days a week but have more work than I was when I used to do 4. I am making mistakes and I've a feeling I am about to get pulled in over performance. A colleague had a lot of sick time in my first few weeks and I had to cover her work too. I've been back now for almost 3 months.

I have already mentioned that I feel like I have been struggling to my line manager, who didn't really say much on the matter, but she did imply that things are going to be quieter in a couple of months. I don't want to look like I'm being obstructive but I genuinely am really struggling and the more I try to do, the more mistakes I am making.

My partner is putting pressure on me not to work overtime as I don't get paid but I feel I have no choice. I feel like I am between a rock and a hard place. I know I am going to get into trouble for my performance but I feel too much has been laid at my feet. Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this?

[daisychain01]

I'd find a quiet time, preferably not at work, and type up a list of what you've been working on over the time you've been back.

Maybe 3 columns

Column one - A few high level categories of what you've been working on not necessarily an itemised list.

Column two - positives. What has gone well, how have you added value, what have you enjoyed, who have you worked with and any feedback from those other people (can be verbal, or written email, or even just their reaction)

Column 3 - challenges. Be objective here, capture any difficulties and barriers you have been up against, whether it's time, deadlines, work content, or people. Even competency based ie you need some training.

You don't need to share this document but it will help you see the wood for the trees. You can use it in performance discussion so your manager has a balanced picture from your point of view

[daisychain01]

We often forget how much work we churn through. You'll probably be surprised at how long the list is.

Maybe you can use it to suggest to your manager to help you set priorities in case they want you to focus on things differently.