All getting on top of me...

[superlambanana]

I'm 24+5 with my first and finding it difficult to cope with work. I've now had three meetings with my boss in which I've said I have far too much to do. She thinks it's a lot, but manageable. I am barely getting by on long hours with minimal breaks, I'm working every weekend this month (I get lieu time but three hours off doesn't really make up for working in the middle ofa Saturday, which stops me doing anything else that day). I need to take my lieu time but then I end up getting further and further behind.

I have no social life as work clashes too often for me to carry on with my regular hobby, I am barely seeing my DH and he gets the worst of me which isn't fair as he is fab, and I am permanently exhausted. There is nobody I can delegate anything to.

I feel like a broken record but I can see me going off sick if this continues. I've just found out they're not recruiting for my maternity cover and are going to spread it among my colleagues. I'm really worried about my lovely workmate being lumbered with my stuff and me returning to chaos, because as fab as she is she won't have time to do it properly.

Any suggestions?

[Monkeybrain10]

I used to have a job/career like this....i walked away from it! Probably not what u want to hear! Saying that, your employees have to legally make allowances for your pregnancy. Don't make yourself ill and stressed over work, your baby is more important. Worst case just take a day or two off sick and get some rest. If u get behind tell your boss it needs to be delegated. If it is really important they'll find someone to do it.
I have spent so many years putting work before everything else in my life but have realised if i continued down that route i would have regretted it (and wouldn't be pregnant!). Good luck.

[Charingcrossbun]

I had a very similar experience and it took a lot of stern talks with myself to stand up to work and make sure my priorities were right. Think baby baby baby!
I had a meeting with my line manger where I was really clear - "the last thing I want to do is go off sick so x y z needs to change". Then I blamed the midwife for things - my midwife has suggested I put my feet up to reduce swelling, ensure I'm home before 1700 so I can eat long before going to bed etc. In other words remind them you are pregnant!
The other key thing is to mention the stress and the hours in your maternity risk assessment even if you know -like my work- they won't do anything about it you then have it written down so any sickness accrued through pregnancy (and them not making reasonably adjustments) won't go on your record.
If they have chosen not to cover you then you just have to leave a clear desk as walk away for your maternity - turn off the email and don't worry about your colleagues! It's harsh I know but I've been on maternity leave a fortnight now (with no one covering my job) the world has not ended, someone will be coping!!

[superlambanana]

Thanks it's just so hard to know what I should put up with and not moan about as it's part of the job, and what I can legitimately put my foot down about due to the pregnancy. I don't want to use it as an excuse and I can't work out where the line is...

[Boogles91]

Listen...my work were doing the same, my hours were supposed to be 8-4:30 but i always ended up doing 6-10! I was on my feet all day as it was a physicaly demanding job, walkjng to and from work wich took half n hr and taking my nirmal breaks wich was only 45 mins in total! I missed my hubby and me being the only girl who worked there he felt like they were seing more of me than he was wich was true technically speaking, money isnt the be all and end all and your family life is more important. I told my bosses how it was or see me out the door, they didnt listen and i just walked out one day. Best thing ive ever done lol and the stress is not doing that lil bugger any good, u should make your bosses understand and dont ever be afraid to stand up to them, in the right manner. They are walking all over you by the sounds of it. We get less money of course as i was main earner but we get by comfortably, aslong as we have food in the cupboards and a roof over our heads we are ok, unnessisary bills wait.