AIBU to feel low after holiday and dread returning to UK stress?

[SeptemberVibes]

Anyone else just feels really low after a holiday?

Just got back from 2 weeks away. Up until my holiday I had an awful year. I had issues with my elderly parent and was literally their carer for months after a couple of operations, extended family member dying, family politics but the worst bit being the stress I endured at work. It was so bad that I contacted my line manger on the tarmac of the runway when I went away and said that some changes needed to be made upon my return as it was too much. Basically they had me running round like a headless chicken, and coming home exhausted and stressed out.

I really needed that holiday. However now I’m back (yesterday) and back in the office on Tuesday. Honestly, I just feel depressed at getting back on this high speed hamster wheel of full time work- family (elderly parents/ looking after DC/ me in the middle of the sandwich) - chores and ohh the constant negativity of the UK.

Holiday blues?

AIBU to say that UK life is just too stressful working FT and having a family?

I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. It is a horrible sinking feeling to return to normality after a lovely break. Did your manager offer any reassurances or suggestions for improving your workload?

I'm from Ireland but I'd imagine irs similar. This is the kind of situation where changes one by one will have huge impacts for you. Can you start with your job? Could you look elsewhere? Your caring duties - Does anyone else help? Is hired care an option? Family politics? Can you put them at a distance for a bit? I think this is more a difficult period you are in rather than the location you are in. And I'm really sorry for your loss. It's been a tough time for you x

Agreed. Cannot cope with full time working anymore. Done with it. 3 days max. Never mind 4-day work weeks. I think once you hit 40, should be 3 maximum. It's too much to do 5 in a row, with only 2 days off then back to another straight 5. It's mentally exhausting.

At least you asked for things to change. That's positive. Push for that. And check your sick leave entitlement. Book holidays strategically so you get regular shorter working weeks.

Only do what you can at work. Refuse to do more.

And if you cannot care for a family member or you need more support at home: speak out.

Thanks everyone.

I literally leave the house at 0715 and get back at 1915 at night. I’m exhausted.

I’ve a family to look after. My DH does do a lot, but there’s still heaps to do. I love to cook, and do my garden, and walk my dog but I just find it i
possible to do all this with work and other stuff.

Everyone wants a piece of me.

When I go back on Tues I hope to see some changes or I’m going to ask to drop a day. I just can’t carry on like this.

Honestly it’s not sustainable. Closer job, or drop a day. Being out the house for 12 hours is beyond exhausting for 5 days a week. Plus parents and children. Then on top of that is the fact the job is causing stress.

When I felt burnt out I dropped to 4 days and it is absolutely life changing. After 7 years I’m going back up to full time.

It's not the UK that's stressful,. Your life is .. no matter where you live x

I had a brilliant time on holiday last year. We met up with friends and laughed, drank and danced for two weeks. I was very down in the dumps for weeks when I came back down to earth. That’s what happens when you’ve had a good holiday.

How many hours a week are you contracted to and do you need to be at your work place every day?
I work a lot of hours (also have an elderly parent and DC) and I can work 3 days a week at home which helps.

I was so miserable today I ate a whole tub of Hagen Das Belgium chocolate ice cream.

😝