How can I get through the next two weeks?

[PermanentlyExhuastedPigeon]

Demanding support role in a large secondary school, dealing with an average of 85 and sometimes more than 100 kids a day (not in a relatively controlled classroom environment).

30% increase in workload over the last 18 months with no additional staffing (it's just me a p/t assistant). I have been on my knees for weeks, having to cancel out of work commitments as I'm just too exhausted to do anything of an evening or weekend.

I absolutely cannot take time off so I just need to find a way to get through the next 12 working days without without breaking.

And yes, I've spoken to the relevant people and we've tried to make changes, some of which are having a tiny impact but a knock on effect in other ways. Basically we need more staffing, which needs more funding which isn't going to happen.

Any suggestions to make it bearable? I've already filled the freezer with easy meals and cancelled virtually everything non essential - thankfully it's just me at home so although I've got some Christmas prep to do there's no one else to think about atm. But getting through the days without having to shut myself in a cupboard for a cry at some point most days would be great.

Just keep holding on to that Christmas holiday which is coming soon. It’s 12 days, you can do this

Well I've now been knocked for six with flu...

You must go off sick, you must. You will do yourself harm if you try to work through it (and if it is 'flu you wouldn't be able to anyway), and...you don't want to pass it on to colleagues or pupils. Especially not at this time of year, viz: Christmas, 'flu, pneumonia and RSV season.
Get well soon.

Yes, you must stay home and get better. Take care of yourself, the job can absolutely wait.

Well that is your answer, you no doubt were exhausted because you were ill.

You must stay in bed until you are better. It is not ideal (ex teacher here so completely understand) but your body has given up. Please just take the time you need.

I actually get you. I also work in school, in an equally demanding and understaffed role. I don’t take break or lunches, I just work the whole time.
I'm on my knees waiting for Christmas and also don’t know if I can make it.

The pressure not to go sick is always immense as I don’t have “cover” but I have a couple of equally exhausted colleagues who would have to cover for me, but basically I’d come back in to all my work backed up.

The situation in schools is bloody ridiculous. I don’t even enjoy the holidays thst much, by the time I feel vaguely relaxed they are over.

No advice, but solidarity

Ex teacher here who lives with a teacher who is on her knees. 25 years in and I’ve never seen her so broken and tired.

Take each day and break it into bits. Get to break, get to lunch, get to the end of the day, get to the time where you have done your work and can go home and fall asleep
on the sofa. The day is done and you can go on to the next. You can do it, don’t expect anything of yourself other than getting yourself into work and getting home.

Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to do stuff in the holidays. Two weeks is not long to recover from the 15 week slog your body and mind has just gone through. Rest, eat, sleep and rest some more. I know there will probably be work but think about that later.

Thinking of you ❤️. I am witnessing the breakdown of the education system every day through my wife. It broke me and I really don’t think people realise what it’s like right now. Try to get better this weekend. Only two Sundays left.

The clock will tick tock down to the holidays.

Make sure the headteacher knows how close you are to breaking point.

I'm in exactly the same situation re no back up is I'm off, which puts huge pressure on my assistant who is also struggling, and the couple of colleagues who work alongside us.

I took yesterday off and will see where I'm at on Monday - there is no way I could do my job at the moment physically let alone otherwise.