To have a rant, and nothing more (except maybe a little cry) about work?

[MoveYourArmsLikeHenry]

Hi everyone. I don't want to lay down alot of information here, just want to have a moan.

I have been at my current place of work for a few good years. When I first started I was young and niave and I thought it was the best job in the world, even if it was crappy pay. It was my first proper job and I loved it. Over time, I got to see how bitchy and nasty people could be.

I work in a small department within the company. My supervisor is lovely, but the management is god awful. People get in trouble for the most stupid things. We once got told off for talking about things that aren't work related, but management often talk and joke about things that have nothing at all to do with work. Doctors and dentist appointments are a huge inconvenience, if you have a sick child, or your child needs to go and get their jabs, and god forbid you ever need to go to a funeral, you have to come back to work straight after it. Once, someone's gran passed away but they wouldnt let her have the whole day off to attend the funeral!

For the last few weeks my supervisor has been off work due to a car accident, and work has been, to say the least, extremely stressful. So bad that I lie awake at night crying. Because I have been in the department longer than the other 2 workers (they are both new and still learning the ropes) it is bascially up to me to keep things flowing. I am expected to do all the tasks my supervisor would do and if anything goes wrong it is me who gets a bollocking. If I don't do them, the place will fall apart and I will get a diciplinary. I often have to come in earlier to set up properly or leave later to close up, depending on my shift. Obviously its not the other workers fault they are new and trying to get into the swing of things, I am not blaming them in any way.

I really do try my best but I am not a supervisor and I don't have her brilliant skills and cool, calm, collective attitude. I don't want to be someone who has to make the decisions and keep staff right:( Nor am I getting paid any extra to do her tasks. I am by nature a nervous, worrisome person and this has maxed out my stress levels. Management hasn't offered any help and any time I ask it's always made into an issue.

I have just found out supervisor is going to be off work for atleast another month and I actually started crying thinking about how much stress I am going to be under. Its actually got to the point where I think on the way to work "Hmm, maybe I can fall and break my arm and get some time off, or maybe I will catch an illness with any luck" Pathetic isn't it? I wish I could just walk out and tell them to stick it, but of course I can't :(

IABU and ridiculous aren't I? :(

You need to start looking for a new job...... I remember once leaving a job I hated, I couldn't believe how much it had pervaded my sense of being .... But I only realised this once I had left. Time to get your CV together, and start to look and focus your energies on finding something different. Your workplace will probably not change, so you might as well ....

Ps you are not been pathetic you are just under too much pressure ......

Do you know how to do her job or are you playing it by ear?

As frightening and intimidating a it might sound, I think you're best to sit down with a manager and explain that you need clear directions of what you're meant to be doing and point out that the extra responsibility will require a financial incentive/reward.

Yep look for another job. Someone with your commitment and reliability would be a real asset to any company. You are on a hiding to nothing in this one. Good luck.

Sorry you are having such a rough time. It's not your fault at all. It's dreadful management.

The best thing long term would probably be to find another job.

Other than that join a union, and get your colleagues to as well. It never fails to amaze me how few people do join.

thanks everyone for replying. Trust me I would love nothing more than to be able to leave the place with a new job and I have tried with no avail :(

solve I work very closely with the supervisor and know her job role, I am just her assistant and am very happy taking orders. Because she is not there and management haven't given us a temporary supervisor/covered the role themselves, I am forced to do her tasks as the department will not be able to function properly without her tasks being done. I am basically doing her job, my job and trying to teach these other two workers the ropes. Every time I ask for help it gets met with " We don;t have any cover, just work it out for yourselves"

i am just at this, and also the thead earlier with the woman who us so stressed by demands if her hospitality job.

i would (1) get some legal advice (2) demand more money/more help if thats yr rights which it probably us (3) continue looking for another job that suits your temperament more? plan of action helps, see what unfolds. whats the worst they could do?

it hacks me off reading about shitty employers and such conscientious staff.

You should be getting paid for a supervisory role as that is what it is you are doing now, however temporary.

I don't have any real advice but you do have my sympathy honestly because I know what it's like to stay awake at night because of your job, particularly when people are bitchy and unpleasant.

Thank you everyone. It is awful. Even if I was getting paid to do the supervisors role, I don't want to do it :( I am happy being an assistant and feel forced into it :(

Why not go to your GP and get signed off sick with stress for the next couple of weeks? No one needs that kind of pressure, particularly if they're not being paid for the hassle!

The fact you're also then not available might mean the management have to step up and take notice.

That's not a bad idea. I don't think you need to have the reason on the sick note. It's valid because you are crying yourself to sleep at night. And it's about time they stepped up and took some responsibility.

And join a union.

I understand your despair here.i used to be a manager but stepped down as i didnt want the stress anymore and needed family time but i still get pressured to supervise me but it isnt my job anymore and im kinda stuck between feeling obliged and annoyed because i just wana scream " ITS NOT MY JOB ANYMORE,IM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS" all you can do is either get outta there as believe me ut doesnt change or stand up and say if you want me to do this you need to support me as its not in my comfort zone and although i understand you need my support too the bottom line is i cant do it alone