I don't have the mental strength anymore. What to do?

[Forgetaboutme]

I'm finding work extremely hard at the moment. I dread work and emails. Basically all because of one project I'm working (solely) with a very difficult client. My manager knows I'm finding it tough. I've not been trained properly for the role i'm in and this is a very unique project anyway. My manager can't control the training I get as its above his head and he has flagged it multiple times. He has tried to help by giving me contacts to get support from but no one ever seems to have time. No one else in my team wants to take over the project either. I don't want to say the role I have but basically I work about ten projects at a time but this one is taking up most of my time.

All this is really affecting my mental health. I just feel like I can't cope and its impacting on my personal life. I'm sitting here tempted to call in sick the rest of the week because I dont feel like I have the strength to go in. But the project just sits untouched and the emails will be there when I go back.

I can't just quit because I'm not in the position to.

This is the first time ive felt like this in my working career. I'm trying so bloody hard too. My other projects are running smoothly.

I've tried to find other jobs but struggling to find any other job despite putting in some applications.

I guess what I want to ask is if anyone has any tips for handling work when you just dont feel like you have the strength to? Or alternatively, does anyone have a job going at around 30k per year?

Sorry you feel like this. Your health has to come first. If you can't get help on the project, look for other jobs. It's very hard to sustain a miserable job long term.

I’m in a similar position in terms of finding it all too much, but with different challenges.
Does this project have an end date? Will there be a time when you can put it behind you? In which case is it worth pressing on as it sounds like your other work is going well and you have a supportive manager.
Personally, I’m taking some annual leave to get a break, then will continue on with the difficult circumstances while looking for another role. My main stress factor will kick in later in the year so I’m making plans to move on before then.

Go back to your manager. He is not providing enough support. He may not be able to control the training but he can provide more hands on support. Things he could do is come to meetings with the client.

If people aren't giving time to support he can make calls.

Finally are you able to rationalise - ie it's only a few more weeks or months etc. I am doing the best I can

Go back to your manager and insist they attend meetings and or are ccd on all correspondence so they can jump in and support you.

Talk to their manager if they can't - you're really struggling.

And finally talk to a recruiter so you can get out of there if the situation doesn't improve

Thanks for the replies everyone.

The project is temporary and will end, probably in about 6 - 9 months when it is completed.

I made a bit of a fool of myself today. Dragged myself in to work but I just felt so teary all day. I was trying so hard to hide it but one colleague noticed and pulled me away for a chat. She said she will support me more. I just feel so bad though. Obviously I want support but not through crying at work like a toddler. My plan was to talk to my manager properly but every time I thought about it tears would form and I just couldn't stop them.

I'm not usually like this. I have a good reputation and I'm worried I am ruining it now. Ive been with this company for years and years but only in this particular role for less than a year now. That's part of the reason I haven't been trained properly because they just assumed I could manage because I was good in my last role and know the company well.

You're honestly not being paid enough to be so stressed.
What is the hardest bit? Is it the clients nature or the not being able to answer questions?

You need to be honest with your manager. Say or write that you have 8 projects that you are able to manage but for this one you need training and at the minute, you cannot handle this project.

I've had a bit of a similar conversation with my manager this morning. She was amazing and she's coming up with a plan to sort it.

Be honest and try to remain calm - remember you haven't really got anything to lose.