Work - it feels as if I won't be allowed any down time any more?

[blackpup]

I work in the care sector and I am approaching a lot of problems in my work.

I always enjoyed helping but over the years some things went astray. I have a contract that states 8 and start to 6 pm finish with some over time required from time to time. However the overtime was very vaguely written and I discovered it was some sort of a physcothoathical works to cover the bosses tracks of getting me to work insane fucking hours.

Every day and every week is different.

Some days are normal. Some weeks are also normal. However when I am called upon for more it just something that happenes and I am not really given much advance warning and the hours can be long and not only that the work load is too much.

During one of these spells the earliest I started was at 5 o clock in the morning and I didn't finish til after midnight. It was insane. That scehcule doesn't happen often however some long hours do happen.

Today was an absolute nightmare. The boss was on site but she wasn't really doing much work except for taking calls and doing computer work. I was doing the load. I was helping a person toileting and then the boss wanted me to guard to door to prevent another person from escaping and then a food delivery came which I was also expected to organise too and honestly it was all far far far far too much. Also today then there was a section of time where all a person did was scream and scream and scream and scream and scream.

My job gives me migraines nearly every day.

So that is the whole entire physical side of the work.

I was recently informed from the offices higher up that I need up upgrade my skills and do courses.

I am absolutely just dreading all of this. How on earth am I supposed to keep on top of course work with a physical role that takes so much out of me?
Every week is different. Sometimes I work a regular week of 40 hours but then there are other weeks and the hours can be unreal - 50/60/70/80 even 90 hours in a week.

Am I supposed to grab a patch of time to do course work and then if the week leads me into a long shitty spell, not look into anything for another week or two until I get more free time.

Like how am I supposed to have any down time or rest from work when I am expected to keep going all the time?

Firstly, is your employer even paying the minimum wage? Are you paid by the hour or a salary? How much is it ?

Your workplace sounds horrendous and that workload doesn't sound sustainable

I'm certain that if you left and found another job, not only would you be able to have a better working hours agreement, but you'd also be offered training and development opportunities to help you in your role.

Experienced carers are in demand, I would look elsewhere.

Go somewhere else that values you.

Take some of the holiday days you have accrued and sit and work out how much you need to earn.
Then find another job where you can earn this but with nicer employers and better working conditions.
If employers take you for granted they always will, the only thing you can do is leave for a better workplace.

What do you think would happen if you stick to your contracted hours? I don’t understand why you are working those crazy hours? Yes they may put pressure saying they’re short staffed etc but you can’t be forced to work those hours so why are you agreeing to do them???