Work/life balance - all burnt out

[ToLiveInPeace]

I run a service in the public sector with a heavy workload and I'm expected to respond to new requests and bring in new projects with enthusiasm. The lockdown has made it clear that I could work every hour there is without achieving much apart from wrecking my health.

Every so often, I'll have a phase of working sensible hours and rediscovering lunchbreaks and healthy boundaries, but it all falls apart when the work piles up and I wake in the night fretting about letting people down or turning down work. I can't just switch off with a clear conscience.

Any tips for keeping something of myself left over, please?

No tips I'm afraid but just want to say that I am in the same position and it is really hard. In the current situation my job has become even more pressured and stressful than usual and the workload, while always huge is now completely underwhelming. I work crazy hours and rarely have a break for lunch and I am completely exhausted and feel like I'm on my knees!

Sorry you're going through the same thing!

xx

Thanks Gemi33. It was a tricky message to write because the usual stuff about saying no, delegating etc just doesn't apply. There's just too much work! So sorry you're in the same situation... Good luck.

Sorry me too. This spring was always going to be hell due to a big expansion - I work in a very senior support role in education. And then the pandemic happened...

It feels wrong to be moaning when others are facing unemployment. There really doesn't seem to be a happy medium.

I try too but just feel guilty. I did no work yesterday and consequently am starting the week already dreading it. I've worked most of today and often set the alarm for 0630 on a Sunday.

I feel guilty all the time. My teams notice that I'm not keeping up but don't understand how many extra demands I have while WFH. My brain is mush and by now, I need to spend at least one weekend day doing absolutely nothing. I'm glad to have a job but I've been covering two roles for two years so that's one area where I have less guilt, I have to say.

Another one here offering solidarity. I'm on my knees. My poor dp is picking up all of my flack while his hours are reduced as well as helping me with work where he can. I'm self employed and I have never experienced work levels like this, and I go for two months straight without a day off at Christmas, but still fit in my hobbies then. All hobbies are currently on hold, I have no school run, no tea to cook or house to clean, I am literally working, throwing food down my neck and sleeping (poorly). I've cried several times today because I'm so tired and I want my life back. I fear turning business away in case I have no business coming at all in a few months.

That sounds really hard, Delilah. I hope things improve soon and wish you all the best for the long term