I have posted a few threads recently about my new job as a PA for a disabled adult and the stress involved. Some under different usernames.
I have now quit. I only worked 5 proper shifts, and had not been given a contract to sign. I have quit without notice, which I know is bad, and I feel guilty, but the stress was making me feel so ill, and I have to put my health first. I have offered to go and say goodbye to the client.
In addition to the stress of the actual job, it was the working conditions that made me quit.
- We should not come in if we are ill. Even with negative covid tests and feeling well enough to work, the client is vulnerable so Parent wants staff to arrange someone else to cover the shift. Okay in theory but there is no sick pay!!
- Annual will need to be taken as and when suitable for the client, like to coincide with client going away with his family. (This will usually be during school holidays) Parent told me she was annoyed that another staff member wanted to take a 2 week holiday.
- No breaks on a 12 hour shift.
- I have a medical appointment on the phone, because it is during half term I was going to have to be at work earlier than usual to cover the time client is usually at college. The medical appointment is at a time when on a normal week I would not be at work yet. I told the parent about the appointment, which in my opinion could have easily been taken while with the client, but parent said I need to (arrange myself to) swap shifts with someone. Maybe IABU here.
- Parent changed a shift on the rota so it started 4 hours earlier without asking me.
- Expectation to keep in contact when not at work, via WhatsApp, email and phone calls. There is atleast 1 thing every day. Parents have both phoned (!!) me without warning, including at 8.50pm on days I am off. I only do 2 shifts a week!
- Wanting to know what I am doing on days I have said I am not available (am I at my other job or...?)
There are other things aswell but I think these are the main issues and I feel so much better having quit, bit guilty for not giving notice but I should get over that.
I text the colleagues that I got on with to let them know and wish them well, and one of them called me to say that she quit two days ago, for similar reasons. That made me feel IANBU, as its not just me feeling this way! Colleague is working notice though, but she has been there longer and is not as stressed as me.