Is this peri, burnout, both or something else?

[Furrybaby]

I started a new job in Feb this year. I've been in this role/sector for many years but moved organisations.

At first it all seemed to go ok but over time the processes have been shown to be chaotic, there is a huge staff turnover which is leading to chaotic work practice and I'm struggling to juggle everything in the middle of it all.

I have asked my manager for support in reprioritising work as literally everything is 'urgent' so whilst I get told I'm amazing (my managers words) for managing each disaster I then get hauled across the coals as routine stuff is suffering due to this.

I cried at my last one to one but have been offered no support

I am generally a confident and resilient person but at the moment I've no motivation and it's exhausting doing anything. I cry most days and can't sleep and find myself just "sitting" a lot of the time. Like, yesterday I made my breakfast and then just sat with it for an hour. Couldn't eat it and no motivation to move.

However, I am also perimenopausal which isn't helping and have an appointment to see doc about treatment soon. How do I know what is peri and how do I know what is work?

I've actively started looking for another job before this situation takes all I have and makes me unemployable, but in the short term what do I do?

I don’t have a fix all answer but just wanted to send you a big hug. To be thinking about all of this before it makes you really poorly is commendable.

Are you making time for yourself? I have a different situation (a partner post leukaemia and transplant) but I find I feel quite frequently similar to how you describe and I’ve pin pointed that to burn out and juggling. Sometimes I can feel better by exercising, or just making a little list of a few things I can tick off both practical and enjoyable. It helps me to feel like I’m still ‘achieving’ some things but I think finding time for you is very important here.

If you are finding work difficult particularly, could you think about taking some annual leave? Do you have personal days available? If not, what about taking a bit of sick leave to reset yourself and get some support. I think you can self certify for the first week but I’m sure your GP would be able to support if you needed longer.

Now is the right time to unpick your feelings / priorities and get yourself back on track. Life is to be enjoyed so keep your head up and keep posting.

Take care ❤️

Thank you.

I normally have quite good self care practices, such as exercise but lately these have fallen by the wayside as I just feel too exhausted. Which isn't helpful.

Hugs to you and your husband 💙

I'm actually sat now with a coffee and knowing I'll have to log on in an hour and meet with my manager about "stuff I'm not happy about" is actually making me feel sick. I don't want to do it.

Though part of me wants to log on, take the verbal beating, get my work completely up to date and then just walk out.

There are roles where the work load is basically impossible and you have to learn to care less amd live with a job half done to survive. There is also a management style which is about just telling you what to do and blaming if things aren't done. The resilience culture makes individuals feel inadequate in these organisations. You may also be peri menopausal but your job should be doable. This is why in some roles staff are on a churn of appointments and leaving. Sorry, no solutions , but it's not just you.

"The resilience culture"

You're right. Why is everyone's resilience questioned when things are shit. Why can't things be acknowledged as being shit and people try to improve it?

Honestly I'm 15 minutes from logging on and I just feel sick

Can you take sick leave? Ideally get signed off for a couple of weeks?

Really sympathise - I actually quite like aspects of my job but the workload is huge and I am exhausted and have no motivation. I wish I could try to care less but I can't and just constantly feel like I'm not doing a good job.