I think I’ve made a mistake committing to this work

[IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece]

Really struggling for work right now, have one job that is only 10h pw and barely pages the bills. Opportunity came up for an extra 67h pw. (So 77h pw)
It’s only for a month but means I’ll be working 36 days straight 7am - 7pm or 7am- 11pm. I’m a week in and I’m exhausted, I’m massively stressed about my residency status for the country I live in and have no time to sort it, the job is hard work, I’m stressed about a debt collector call, I’m stressed about money and I tested positive for Covid 10 days before starting and I’m definitely still not back to normal with a few symptoms inc post viral fatigue.

But. I desperately need the money, (it’s not brilliantly paid at all but will help) I’ve worked 70h weeks before, I have no dependants to miss me and , again, I need the money.

Im so tired right now I’ve cried, I don’t know what to do about it. I think just getting through it is the right thing to do but I can’t think straight.

I’d actually really just like someone to come and give me a hug and make me a cup of tea but I’m just asking the nest of vipers to tell me what to do instead

You wouldn't have done this if you didn't need to. And it's only for a month.
But post covid fatigue is a killer and personally I know I couldn't have done that after covid so have some tea and and a hug.

Are you working weekend days too? Can you catch you on sleep then? And grocery shop for convenient food.

I’ve just cried reading your response…I’m definitely tired here! Thanks for the virtual hug. Genuinely appreciated!

No weekends off - Fri-Sun is 7am-11pm then Mon-Thurs is 7am-7pm

Sounds shit, but you can do it because it's necessary. I'd get a calendar and cross each day off as you go. I'd also buy lots of chocolate and cake and just get in and chill. I'd try and focus on the stress that will be relieved from the money. Its not for ever.

Is there anyone around who can drop you around dinners or something?

Do you get paid per day or for the whole 36 days? I mean if you make it to 21 days do you get a proportion of the money or loose the whole job?
I'm not sure what your regular 10hr/w job is - but would it be possible to take a break from that for one week? Would that help?

That's one week down already OP, you can do this!

In your shoes, I would carefully plann what I was doing Mon - Thurs, 7pm - 9pm to get done what I had to, such as laundry (work clothes / underwear / pyjamas / towels & bedding if you can't get through with what you have) So Monday, food shop. Tuesday prep all meals & packed lunches. Tuesday wash clothes. Try to get all of that done in 1 hour each night, so you can get some down time. Do whatever relaxes you, bath, read, episode on netflix. Thursday, if possible, have the night off completely. Get to bed in good time, you're going to need the sleep. Try to eat healty-ish, nutritional food. Snack on fruit if you like it. Lots of veg, healthy fats. Help power yourself through this.

And remember, this is a temporary challenge, and you've already managed a whole week. It will be over soon, and you'll have done it, and be really proud of yourself, and in a better position.

How are you doing @IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece ?

Big hugs from over here OP, hang in there, it's just a month but must seem nightmarish when you're in the middle of it, especially after Covid. After you've done it, you'll be so pleased for the money and you can plan loads of small stuff to relax and reward yourself, even if it's netflix and chill in the evening on the sofa, nice hot bath, nice magazine, whatever. Honestly hang in there, you're doing great.

I know how you feel and am in the same boat! You know what they say about waiting for a bus and two coming at once…! My client on this new project has a ridiculous deadline, but the money is nice so I agreed. It will finish on 6 April. What’s helping me is looking forward to the end and planning nice adventures for afterwards, as well as trying to get help with childcare and household things and postponing tasks that can wait. Also, even though it’s stressful to even take breaks when the massive amount of work is hanging over your head, try and make a but of time for short breaks to eat and take a walk in the fresh air and watch a bit of TV to relax each day. My situation isn’t quite as intense/stressful as yours sounds, although instead I have mum guilt as it’s school holidays and I’d wanted to take my kids out. But we can do it - let’s get through it together!