Feel overwhelmed with hrs on my "part time" job

[whatisforteamum]

my contract is for 19 hrs which worked well when dcs were small and i needed schools hrs.We had a take over and this continued.When someone left on a weeks notice we all had to take on extras as it was a busy time for us .I was doing 30 something hrs which was ok as dcs are much older and can cook for themselves.The first colleague wasnt replaced then another who did 50 plus left and hasnt been replaced either.Luckily or uni students picked up some hrs and i did 43 sometimes which is far too much for me.I work shifts and it is exhausting and my df is dying which has caused a huge strain and anxiety.I have asked at meetings for less hrs and asked my line manager too.I have now 2 40 hr weeks.Acas said employers can add hrs and the 19 is a minimum.I have applied to other places .I loved my job previously but find juggling family life and ill realatives too much.I m not the sort of person to phone in sick...HELP :(

Good luck with the new job and take care of yourself x

Hi I have just logged on and read this blog. My heart goes out to you for the stressful time you are going through supporting family with illness. I was the sole carer at the end of my Mum's life and juggling work etc. The stress you are under is extreme, please be kind to yourself and if need be line up some counselling support. Macmillan Cancer have a telephone line anyone can ring for a quick chat - but the website also has a blog. I used that blog a few times and found it really helpful to share my thoughts and fears with other carers anonymously, especially when people at work can seem so cold, which can leave you feeling so alone. I realise now that its not until others have been through caring for a terminally ill relative themselves that they understand - though some can behave even worse as they are in denial of their own grief - have experienced the latter. I did take a period of stress leave during the time as a carer then went back, but nothing prepared me for after - take care as when your loved one has gone, your employer can be totally unsympathetic and pile on the pressure as though you have let the company down. Sending you kind regards.