Feeling like I can’t handle working?

[FRIDAYNIGHTSS]

I can just about pay the bills on the salary that I’m on, so have been applying for promotions. Unfortunately in my industry, getting a new job can take 6 months or so.

Meanwhile, I’m struggling to stay motivated at my current role. The work is not complicated but there’s lots of it. I deal with people with complex needs on a day to day basis and it does take its toll. The office is understaffed and morale is low, so corners are cut and generally you’re treated like a bit of a skivvy, with zero respect.

I’ve been ploughing through however my health has declined, I’m stressed, I’m snappy with people etc and feel like I’ve changed. Aibu to consider resigning or going on sick leave because I feel like I’m not coping?

If you can only just pay your bills now, how do you plane to do that if you resign?

It sounds like you're in the wrong job. Maybe it's the specific job you have now, or maybe it's the whole career field.

If it's the latter, you could do some benefits calculations to see how much WTC you could get if you took a minimum wage job - it might end up that you're on not much less than you are now and if you can only just pay the bills it certainly isn't a job worth your health! But yeah, either way for now I would go off sick if you can

That’s the issue. But if I wasn’t working, I’d be able to spend more time applying for jobs. Sometimes it can take 3-4 hours to properly apply for 1 job and tailor it appropriately. It’s hard to do that when you’re leaving work feeling drained, dealing with people who are going through extreme hardship. If I left, I could cover my bills for 2 months I reckon as I’d be due holiday pay etc in final payslip.

I think I just need a good two weeks off to regain focus but the office is understaffed so that wouldn’t be approved.

Resign so someone else can do the job and you don't burden your remaining colleagues. I hate it when people think they can just go on the sick just because they can't cope with a job

Surely that’s the point of sick leave.

I’m already doing the job of multiple people at once as my office is understaffed. I’m already dealing with the burden, thanks.

Don't quit your job, but do talk to your Dr and address your change of mood. Also talk to your manager about feeling undervalued. Do keep applying for other jobs. If the company culture is rubbish that's unlikely to change the further up the ladder you go.

health has declined, I’m stressed, I’m snappy with people etc and feel like I’ve changed

I wouldn't resign, but I'd look at taking a week or 2 off to look after yourself given what you've said above. Only you know how bad things are, not the people on here telling you bullshit. If you're genuinely stressed and snappy and you've changed then you prob need some time off with stress.