To wonder if taking some time off would help?

[sharkirasharkira]

To put it bluntly, I am really fucking fed up at work and I want out.

At least, that's what I've been thinking lately. I keep fantasising about being injured or ill so I don't have to go in. I'm really dreading it, every day is a struggle at the moment and I'm miserable and crying a lot.

I've been wondering if I'm depressed but tbh I don't feel depressed about anything other than the work situation. When I'm not at work I'm fine and happy!

I'm looking for another job but in my area it's proving difficult. Realistically I can't just walk out without something else to go to no matter how much I really really want to! because I won't be able to afford to live.

It has occured to me that maybe I'm just exhausted/burnt out and maybe taking a week off would help - then I could have a rest and return to work hopefully feeling better. Either way it might show what the real issue is, if I have the time off and feel no better then maybe it isn't just work and I really am depressed, if I feel loads better then it'll show me that yes it really is just that I need a change of career. I don't want to just throw in the towel and walk away from a job with decent pay if it's something that could be fixed but I am getting dangerously close to just saying 'fuck this' and walking out mid-shift which I KNOW is a bad idea.

But if the time off sorts me out then isn't it just a massive waste of valuable annual leave that I will need for other times? Wibu to take it when I may need that holiday pay to tide me over if I do leave? So conflicted!

My work is incredibly stressful and I feel the way you do now from time to time. It would be stupid of me to leave given the salary, pension and other benefits that my work provides.

So I learned very early on in my career that to survive I need to schedule regular breaks (usually a week or long weekend) each quarter.

Sometimes I go on holiday but other times I have a long lie, read a book, catch up on my favourite box set or meet up with my friends.

I always feel so much better when I return to work.

Never feel as if the holiday has been wasted. It’s literally how I survive!

I am in a similar place and my very kind boss suggested I take some time off. BUT my work wouldn’t be covered by anyone (can’t be) and also I feel like this is a sticking plaster solution.

I know what you mean Bubbly, I've been working there almost 6 months now and I feel like I haven't had a real break since I've been there, which is not a long time in the scheme of things but given the nature of the job feels like a lifetime.

I have had 2 weekends off since being there but I was visiting family and had 5+hrs of travelling each way so it didn't feel like a break at all. I just wonder if having some time off will clear my head or make the prospect of returning to work even worse

Yes Ell, there is that too, I do feel a bit like I would be putting things off that would be waiting for me when I got back..

I also feel a bit guilty as it would be a struggle for the remaining staff without me but part of me just honestly doesn't care (horrible as that sounds) I think me walking out suddenly would be worse and so taking time off is the lesser of 2 evils!

I took a whole month off from my last job, felt great until I went back. 2 months later I quit and got something else! A break helps but if you’re truly miserable with work, the feelings soon come back. I’ve never been able to stick out a job I hate. I know some people can but I don’t know how they manage it.

Can you book a last minute holiday and treat yourself?

If you don't want to risk using leave how about trying to do something on a weekend that totally makes you forget about work. I find if I go away for Fri/Sat night camping or whatever and do lots of sight seeing or hiking when I get back on Monday it's like I've had a big break. This may be because I am an air head of course :)

I would love that Java. Unfortunately I work weekends, its part of what makes me hate this job. I don't have any friends because I'm never free to socialise. My days off don't match up with DP so I spend virtually all my time that I'm not at work alone. I really want to go away for a couple days with DP but he has to book time off at least a month in advance, honestly I don't think I'll make it that long.

Sounds like a bit of time to chill might do you good in that case. Might help you figure out whether it’s resolvable or not.

I'm on my break now but I just have a sinking feeling it isn't going to work. I was almost in tears and having a full on panic attack at work earlier and it wasn't even busy! I feel so useless and pathetic

I just don't think I can do it any more.

I only have to give a week's notice - technically I'm not even sure I 'owe' that as I don't have a contract but I'm worried they won't pay me my outstanding holiday pay if I don't give any at all.

I feel horribly guilty though. We are just about to enter the busiest period of the year and if I leave it will put a lot of pressure on the rest of the staff. At the same time I can't stay just to make everyone else's lives easier, even if I wanted to, it will break me if I do.