To leave this role

[Redshades]

I've been in a new role for a month. Senior position, a higher salary and loads of responsibility. I knew things were busy even before I joined as I was already being expected to attend meetings (before actually starting). Since starting I feel completely overwhelmed and exhausted. I know this is normal when starting a new position but I think I've made a mistake with taking on the position. I now manage a team of people (something I haven't done before) two new starters after I joined who's inductions I have been managing whilst also taking on my usual tasks. And my usual tasks seem to be never-ending. There is just so much!

The last person left last year so there has been a gap in the post until I joined. Many of the big events didn't happen so now I have been given 4 huge events to organise in the next few months. Everything from invites to speakers. I gave 2 big presentations last week (after being here 3 weeks), manage several online systems which I have been learning about and thought I was just about getting somewhere until I had a meeting with the director today. He mentioned one event I wasn't aware was coming up (I was sent an invite about it at the beginning but didn't know anymore and tbh I've been flat out) and he said I would be leading this and should be completely up to date with all of this, it's a key event, I need to start organising speakers asap etc!! I said I was tied up with all the other events and organising etc and he said this is a priority and I need to be completely on the ball with it all and meet all committee members before the meeting (about 60 of them). He sounded quite pissed off and said 'I know you're very busy but these things are a priority and you should really be up to date with it all.' With that attitude and the amount of hours and energy I've put into this position I feel like what is the point in continuing?

There are aspects I enjoy and the team seem really nice but I think its unfair to expect someone to come in and manage 5 big events straight away plus all the other work. I've been completely flat out since starting, haven't even been having lunch breaks and feel all of the work and responsibility required in this role is just not worth the stress or lack of appreciation. Would appreciate some advice.

I think you need to book a meeting g with your manager to outline:
Delays and backlog from someone not being in post before you
Your current main areas
What he deems as the key priority areas

Your manager sounds like he might be falling into the 'everything is a priority and can I have X, Y, Z for yesterday' role, which doesn't help you manage workload or prioritise. If everything is a priority then nothing is.

Then look at how you can delegate within your team as that's a key part of more senior roles.

If after doing that there is still no movement, consider your options.
Could you also look into whether there's any coaching available within your sector as that can also be helpful when stepping up.

Thanks. I think it is hugely unrealistic expectations. The group I lead are separate from the events I organise so it seems I have several roles with different directors for each who aren't aware of everything I do. I could give a huge list with all my tasks on but not sure this will help with the director I spoke to today and his expectations. The structure of the company seems pretty disorganised and I can see why the last person left now.

It sounds very stressful for a new job and I think I would leave. Life is too short.

I agree. I think you need to make a list if everything you’re expected to do over the next month / see if you can delegate any of it, then make an appointment with senior management and go through the list.

What support do you have? Do you admin/project support you can use?
I do a lot of events but I tend to delegate a lot of the actual organising, I perhaps make initial contact with speakers if they are high profile but then pass on to project support /PA to deal with all the arrangements.

If its a senior role you really shouldn't be having to do it all,ypu should just be outlining the timing and agenda then have a team to make it happen..

I feel I work with you haha. Times are slightly off, but there is a new senior manager that has started and the amount of work expected from them is unbelievable. I really feel for them. I'm very much just admin/support and there are only two of us, so we are not much help at all, what with all the other senior managers we assist, we just don't have time to focus on the one manager. I think a meeting with your manager is a must, explaining it just isn't feasible without extra support. Whether they listen is a different matter. Tbh, if I was them/you, I would seriously be looking elsewhere. Which is crap

Thank you. Having a meeting with my manager this week. @fussygalore118 I should be able to give tasks to team, and have started doing this. From what I have seen though is that they are already rushed off their feet with their usual work.

Perhaps this is a hugely busy period but do jobs like this ever improve? I feel hugely stressed every day with the work load and have had a difficult year in general. I already feel like I need a long break. Life/work balance is very important to me and I have savings to take a few months off. I know being out of work wont look great on my CV but is this position worth the stress?