Took a sick day as I'm burnt out

[Henrietta1000]

I work between 44-50 hours a week which I know isn't even as much as some people on here must do, however working 6 days a week is draining.
I have no children so I know it could be worse, but I'm fed up. So I've called in sick today, luckily my last sick day was a year ago and it's not a job where they'll be short staffed.
I'm in the Civil Service as an AO. Whilst I enjoy the role, an AO salary is not great for a person living alone..I've applied for 3 EO roles but have come to understand how unbelievably slow they are. I sent 2 of my applications 3 months ago and still waiting to hear if I have an interview!
So I've currently got a second weekend/evening job. There's no guaranteed overtime in my civil service role, it used to be unlimited now it's capped.

I'm a qualified teacher, but gave up trying to get a job. I'm in languages, was turning up to interviews with 5 others and failing every time, got put on a support plan in one so resigned, or just not getting interviews. So I did supply, which was fine and paid better but I wanted something permanent and stable.

Please do not tell me it's worth it because of the pension, when you have a low salary and are quite young, you're obviously not going to put up with that for 30 years!
I've had a very productive day so far, cleaning my home and tidying, also just catching up on TV.
It's hard sometimes! I went to a hen the other week and all of my schoolfriends are now band 7 or 8 NHS, manager of xyz, and I'm in an entry level admin job despite going to uni.
6 days a week isn't sustainable much longer!
It's not even an AIBU, just a rant. Even EO roles are very competitive, I'm so fed up.

My advice would be to seek advice from colleagues within the civil service and look for ally’s and try find a mentor. Ensure you fully understand the process of applying for higher grade roles, make sure you contact hiring managers for chat and utilise feedback requested post interviews. Good luck

Taking a sick day if you feel burnt out is absolutely fine.

With your experience in teaching and SEND, you should be able to walk a role with the DfE, Ofsted, a Local Authority or a school given that it is an area that is desperately understaffed.

I have had experience in the civil service working up from AA to EO (including in a call centre setting) and in Local Government working up from EO equivalent to G7 equivalent and having run many recruitment exercises over the years. I have also had experience of burning out which left me off work for six months.

I can say with close to 100% certainty that if you come across in work and in your interviews like you are coming across in this thread, then that, right there, is why you are not getting promotions or being successful at interview.

You need to have a look at how combative you are and also whether you demonstrate positivity - working in the public sector is difficult enough at the moment, no-one wants to work with someone who exudes negativity or thinks that they are owed something, or who responds to feedback in the way that you have in this thread!

@Henrietta1000 how old are you and partner?

Kind of how the Internet works. Are you always this helpful?

Exactly 💯 this. I have 3 DC, work part time and have a chronic movement disorder. I don't get to have days off for being burnt out. What with you be like if you have kids? 😳

I'm in my 50's and have only ever taken 3 days sick in my life. That's because I'm a grown up, a responsible adult and respect both myself and my employer. So no, we haven't all done it!

Thing is, there's a difference between established civil servants and temp workers , and established civil servants will usually have the edge when it comes to promoted posts .

Look for jobs outside the CS?
Upskill so you become more attractive to employers?
Do supply teaching?
Do tutoring in the evening instead of an extra day?
Move to a cheaper part of the country?
Teach MFL abroad?
Look for jobs in the charity sector?

Maybe speak to a life/careers coach for help to come up with a plan?

There is progression in CS, but you are not in CS. To progress in CS takes planning and proactivity, and whilst it is understandable that you are defensive- the career you studied for and planned for has not worked out - it may be that you are sabotaging your future with your victim mentality. The AO role is busy and demanding and therefore stressful in that respect, but in terms of progression, being unable to manage the demands of that level are a barrier. It is worth asking if you can access the coaching and mentoring programme that is likely to be available via your department’s wider L&D offer, which may offer some helpful strategies not only for reframing, but practical steps. You should also be able to access the same wellbeing support as your CS colleagues and perhaps even an OH referral for stress. Good luck.

CS jobs are incredibly competitive right now.
i helped sift an EO intake and there was over 6000 applicants for 120 jobs, only one hose scoring 6s AND 7s were getting roles, the last HEO sift only those with all 7’s were offered jobs. It’s tough right now. Your best bet is applying for EOIs

This is why many women choose to marry up.

Who are you dating right now?

Seems to me you’ve spent your sick day replying to posts on here. What was the point? Genuine question! If you want a day off, take a day off.

No we havn’t

I’m a Dr, sadly closer to retirement than University.

people take days off to come and see me, they wait months, they live or die depending on what I do.

I don’t take days off work to clean my kitchen (even when I am tired!)

Not read your whole post but I’ve taken a day off work today too as I couldn’t move due to exhaustion. Ignore the idiotic replies.

What's that got to do with the price of fish?

I refuse to believe this isnt AI

Curious what gets you a 6 or 7? It is always previous relevant experience? Degree grade? Did you take anyone fresh out of University?

If I were you, OP, I'd look for a better paid role with a better work life balance/more fun and worry about pension when you are a bit older. As you say, life's too short to be burned out and not paid well.

Who hurt you? Does it cost money to not be a see you next tuesday? If you cannot offer support, take a hike. You're clearly bored with your life so you come on here to make others feel crap.

As a qualified languages teacher could you do zoom tuition? I do Italian with a qualified school teacher, but she just does private clients on zoom. It's normally evenings but there are lots of kids being home schooled these days who need tutors during the day. I think it's very low stress because it's single/max 2 or 3 students each session and very limited paperwork compared to being in a school. I've also a friend who does teaching in the evenings via zoom to kids abroad who want to learn English.
Not sure how they got into it but assuming there are pages you can advertise on.
I've done private and public sector - privates better, higher salaries, better qualified leaders, better benefits (all of this is generally speaking). I'd look as broadly as you can rather than trying to stick with the CS.
Don't worry about taking the odd sick day, they're not even paying you for it! Do what you need to do for your mental health and happiness.

By the way, this is only here in the UK. If you go most other places, life does not revolve around work!!! I was shocked when I moved here two years ago from Ireland. Back home, work is the least of anyone's priority. It's just a means to make money to LIVE LIFE. Here, the culture is that work is everything. It's horrible

I think you've wasted by posting on here and taking the time to reply. Especially to those negative remarks.

It's a beautiful day outside, sit in your garden (if you're lucky enough to have one) and relax. Recharge your batteries.

Only you can change your situation. Have you asked your employer about opportunities for career development? All of my team have progressed as they've spoken up about their wants and needs. Speak to your line manager and see what they can do to help you. If you're a valued member of the team, they'll not want to lose you.

Good luck op. I know how hard the struggle is to just get on in life.

Iv never known anyone lose out on a job because they’ve taken the odd days sick (as long as they have hit a trigger)

Have you thought about supporting university students with Study Skills type of roles. I have a study skills tutor and I am doctoral student.

Applications/ interview aren’t scored the same way that non CS applications are.
it’s competency based questions such as ‘describe a time when you made an effective decision’ and you have to hit certain triggers to score. So in theory anyone with the right experience and gift of vocalising it could hit those points, not just someone who has experience in that exact role. I’ve worked with ex taxi drivers, ex police, ex supermarket staff and someone fresh out of completing their Masters.