Help - how do I manage this workload situation

[Snufflebabe05]

I work in FS. A high street bank, within HR. And the workload is unmanageable. I joined in September last year and I’ve already flagged it to my line manager, which led to another chat with their line manager and work being taken off me. But it’s piled up again. It’s the unreasonable deadlines. I work p/t, and work at least an extra hour every day. 10 mins to make and eat lunch. I’m not senior, but not entry level either. Today I’ve worked 12 hours, with 20 mins to eat and take the dog out at lunch. I came into work today to find something new was needed by tomorrow. But I’ve got 2 other things needed by tomorrow, and when I said to my boss today, they all need to be done. There just isn’t enough time in the day.

I’ve got 2 kids, one with medical needs and I need to do things like set up medical equipment and give meds etc. But these unrealistic demands are becoming increasingly frequent. I think it’s my bosses boss (the person who took work off me the last time I raised this) who just keeps launching new things needing to be done. I’m the only one in the team with children, and the others work evenings and weekends all the time. I can’t and don’t want to. What’s my options here? I’m never going to change things and I’m the newest so feels like I’m already causing upset due to pushing back on workload last year.

So - an update. The day after my original post, I had a meeting with my manager, who was clearly upset at me as I had challenged the deadline that was set. Again, it was a tense “this needs to be done.”

I ended up having a panic attack. The GP has signed me off for one month. I spoke to my manager to explain and try to resolve but he showed no interest in trying to make improvements, and was clear that he thought I shouldn’t find the work too much. Just wasn’t interested in why I felt the way I did. He felt it was all reasonable.

At a bit of a loss on what next steps are. It’s my job I’ve worked hard for. But I am not willing to put my health through it. It’s clearly been tougher on my health than thought.

I’ve started to look for new roles but I haven’t seen much. I also just don’t think I’m in the right headspace. I’ve been exhausted since this all happened.

Really sorry to hear that OP, look after yourself x

So sorry to hear that OP. Definitely prioritise your health for now. Take time to really rest, do something you wouldn’t normally have time to do for yourself. Being signed off doesn’t mean you need to be stuck in the house so it could be a long walk on a bright morning, or swimming/gym, or coffee out, or anything really. Also try to have time to do something just for fun with your dc. That’s a separate activity though! I think you have a dc with additional needs is that right?

Then take some time to think about what you want from your work /life balance. Easier said than done I know. Talk to a supportive partner and/or friend. Then if work has someone who looks after occupational health, speak with them, once you have a bit of an idea what outcomes sound good to you.

Sorry to read your update OP. Dreadful attitude from your manager.

Look after yourself

They’ve ‘bought’ XX amount of your time. If they give you too much work and you can’t do it in that time then tough shit. If you facilitate it then your boss can justify it to their boss that they don’t need to spend more of their budget on upping your hours because they’ll just say that @Snufflebabe05 is having no trouble finishing everything.