Return to original role early? Please help I'm desperately unhappy

[Tiddlywinkly]

My line manager was seconded unexpectedly earlier this year and I was asked to step in/act up. I did, but it's been so awful. The workload is crazy and a fellow colleague with whom I am supposed to work with has been placed on long term sick. I've been able to share out a tiny bit of work to other colleagues, but not a lot.

The original idea was to return to my old role in January, but there's talk of this being extended. I'm so stressed, I want to return to my role now. Is that even possible? I'm losing sleep and I'm so snappy around my family. I hate this version of myself. Please help.

Go back to your substantive job, this sounds awful x

Have you told whoever you are now reporting to that you are struggling, and, when there was “talk” of it being extended, did you say you would not be happy to act up for a longer period?

I have informed them that I am unhappy and they have said wait and see how it goes.

But have you clearly said you are not prepared to do it for any longer than January?