To wish there was a helpline for first world problems

[PrincessTuna]

Or is that what talk radio is for?

I have work angst and nobody to vent to. I've texted my mum who just replied with a sad face emoji. This is the main downside of being a single parent, no partner for boring non-essential moans.

I'll have to try mindfulness or something. My anxious thoughts are spoiling my downtime.

Remember you're a valuable member of staff and it's in his interests that you're happy and not planning to leave. I like the suggestion to keep emphasising My work load needs to be prioritised when there are time constraints.

Anyway I hope your whole weekend isn't ruined worrying about this Maybe set aside some time to plan what you're going to say, write bullet points and then force yourself not to dwell on it.

This is what voice notes were invented for. My friend and I often send each other a ranty voice note through out the day.

I work in an industry where people constantly pile more stuff on, whilst also making statements about staff workload, wellbeing and mental health.😊

I find nodding enthusiastically and saying Absolutely. What do you NOT want me to do instead? In an enquiring tone works well with prats like this. I'm happy to point out You can't just add additional stuff to my workload without taking something off, unfortunately. I only have so many hours in a day.

I've been doing a fair bit of "that's a good idea, we can look at that after x is done". But I feel like I'm becoming "Mrs No" and a blocker. I dont want to be that person. On the other hand I'm working 50% more hours than contracted which is a sign that I cant take on more.

Ironically some of the extra work this week was about mental health awareness week...

That sounds fine, OP. Honestly. Do not overthink yourself and worry about being Mrs No.

What you are is Mrs Pleasantly Helpful with Decent Boundaries!

No one respects you if you are a pushover, and they just pile more on. And start cutting back on the hours you are doing over and above. Those are not ultimately sustainable.

It's so common; enthusiastic young managers chomping at the bit to hit targets and impress their seniors, who'll happily burn out their staff and then replace them. Page number one of their manager's course seems to be rinse your staff with a friendly approachable smile on your face, all the while treating "staff mental health" as a box ticking exercise.
Sorry but it makes me so angry.

Work place unions seem to be a thing of the past so you have to fight just to be treated in an acceptable way. You've every right to stand your ground Op. You're already stressed to the max with your increased work load.