In a state and got a big decision to make- help!

[CatCuddler999]

Hi all

I’ve got a problem that’s keeping me awake at night and weighing on me like a ton of bricks all the time. Help!

In 2019 I started volunteering for a local organisation because I’ve always had an ambition to work for a charity. About a year later they offered me paid work- albeit on a temporary basis and very very low pay. Think minimum wage. The work I do for them is something that would normally be paid higher elsewhere- I have a degree that was of use in my role for them and I have to do research etc for my job.

So anyway here we are 2 years later and I’m still on a temporary rolling thing for paltry money. It’s taking a major toll on my mental health. Because they won’t employ me properly and only give me 12 hours work a week I have to do another-unrelated- permanent job that takes up another 15 hours and I struggle to do both. My unrelated job pays well and the people are lovely, albeit it’s not in the field I want to work in and my heart isn’t in it like it is the other work.

But my god, I’m stressed ALL THE TIME about trying to fit in the charity work. Im a mum with a child who has after school clubs and lessons for this that and the other and I’m zipping around like a crazy person trying to do everything. The charity work just weighs on me CONSTANTLY. Constantly fretting about how to squash it in to my already busy week. Im awake at night because of it.

I also have PTSD and anxiety which is very hard to deal with and I feel utterly exhausted by all of it.

I know I could just jack in the charity work but I feel like I might never find work like it again. I have no idea what to do.

Are you managing their social media? Have you tried asking for more money? Have you applied for other jobs in the same sector? I don't think I could continue on being paid minimum wage for a job that added to my stress, especially as it doesn't seem like it's going to lead to anything

It's taking its toll on you, they're essentially treating you badly and not valuing the work you do, you can't continue.
You've got the experience now so put yourself out there and seek similar but better.
Tell the charity you're actively looking for more hours, better pay and conditions, hopefully with them but otherwise potentially elsewhere.

There's loads of jobs online OP, probably quite a bit of charity work if you freelance. Honestly jack in the job, it's making you miserable. There'll be better stuff out there. You have the experience now, too.

Doing badly paid work is just appalling for your mental health and self esteem. The are taking the piss. And they know it.

Your work for them should have been a step to other things. No guilt required just hand in your notice.

Personally I think you should get a job that pays more, one job.
It might not be the job of your dreams, but when you get older it’s more about providing for now and your future.

@Oneborneverydecade yes I asked for more money a few months back and was given a pay rise of £1 an hour!

I’m doing social media but a lot of meatier comms work as well.

I haven’t applied for any similar roles yet, but I’ve been thinking about it.

Apply for a comms job for another charity. It is not fair on you. Good luck. Do not fret so much about this! Not your problem to solve.

A charity that is exploiting its workers and not paying a fair wage for the level of responsibility and professionalism expected is not a good charity to work for and not a good charity to donate to.

There is no shortage of vacancies in the charity sector and a lot lf the vacancies are part time. Resign from the exploitative charity job and start jobhunting for equivalent work for a different charity that pays an appropriate wage for the level of responsibility and experience intrinsic to the job.

Use the experience you've gained with the charity to apply for a proper job where you'll be treated well. Why should they change anything? They've got you working yourself into the ground and they've barely given you anything in return. So take the skills you've got and be paid fairly.

Yes, I can see I’m being taken for a mug. I think they had me fooled as they’re all nice people.
I really enjoy the work I just don’t have the brainpower left for it after my other job and being a mum etc. It takes a lot of concentration and research and I’m frantically trying to squash in an hour here or an hour there when really it needs dedication and attention.
I’m out of my head with stress today and feel like I’m giving up on my dream of working for a charity.