How to not burn out

Lisaaas1 · 2023-03-11T15:30:56+00:00

Hello, I am 3 months in a new admin role with the NHS. One of equivalent band colleagues runs and does the job at 200mph expecting me to take in what she has said or asked and I'm struggling to work at this pace. I'm very efficient but more methodical and will find it difficult to work at this pace without burning myself out. I'm generally considered a hard work, conscientious, efficient but cannot work at this pace under her eye. Any advice?

SallyTWel · 11/03/2023 19:39

I personally think you and anyone in such a role should be going at your pace irrespective of whether a colleague chooses to operate at 200mph. In the NHS there is a lot of expectation for staff to go above and beyond and I personally do (also work in nhs admin) but you shouldn't be burning yourself put in the process. There is something seriously wrong with the team or management if you're expected to operate at this pace (we all work differently, have different personalities etc.). Be you. Do your work to the best of your ability, keep your head down and please make sure you take your lunch break. I imagine from what you have said this colleague either eats at the desk or works through. Take your breaks. Be flexible if you can when needed and if that's not good enough you're in the wrong department and team. Reach out to HR if it becomes in issue.

ItsAlmostSpring · 12/03/2023 07:39

'In the NHS there is a lot of expectation for staff to go above and beyond and I personally do (also work in nhs admin) but you shouldn't be burning yourself put in the process.'

This is exactly why I left my NHS post - years of expecting us to go above and beyond just to keep the service running, it does wear you out eventually while doing nothing to improve the systems you operate in.

Take your lunch break, leave on time, take your leave. Speak with your manager. Work at your own pace and ignore the collegue. If you still struggle, look for another job.

lipstickontheglass · 12/03/2023 10:18

I think it's hard not to feel the pressure of comparison - all I can say is we have a very fast, talented team member who is recognised for being an outlier - no one is expected to work as quickly as she does - she is not expected to work as quickly as she does! - everyone wants to learn from her but I'm not sure that's possible - she's just mind-blowingly fast - and beautifully understated about it, so no one feels shit about not being able to keep up with her.
Does everyone you work with think her speed is the norm?

Original poster

Lisaaas1 · 12/03/2023 12:18

Thank you all for the replies
@ItsAlmostSpring I have 3 months till the end of my probation and then if I see no sign of improvement I'll move on. I've read a similar post on here about nhs admin posts which just seem to be tearing people apart and all for 21k pa. Just out of curiosity when you left your nhs post which sector did you move into? I'm hoping if I do leave the organisation there's less toxicity out there.
@lipstickontheglass nobody else operates at the efficiency or speed she does.Issue is she is a very junior member of staff who is happy remaining at her banding and role but equally work excessively above and beyond. Therefore everyone who is on the higher bands than her and who works at a different pace, but still hard working cannot compete nor do they want to because they have no desire to burn out. Besides this colleague works 2 days a week the rest of us are full time.

OP posts:

lipstickontheglass · 12/03/2023 13:03

Lisaaas1 · 12/03/2023 12:18

Thank you all for the replies
@ItsAlmostSpring I have 3 months till the end of my probation and then if I see no sign of improvement I'll move on. I've read a similar post on here about nhs admin posts which just seem to be tearing people apart and all for 21k pa. Just out of curiosity when you left your nhs post which sector did you move into? I'm hoping if I do leave the organisation there's less toxicity out there.
@lipstickontheglass nobody else operates at the efficiency or speed she does.Issue is she is a very junior member of staff who is happy remaining at her banding and role but equally work excessively above and beyond. Therefore everyone who is on the higher bands than her and who works at a different pace, but still hard working cannot compete nor do they want to because they have no desire to burn out. Besides this colleague works 2 days a week the rest of us are full time.

It's the same with us - I wouldn't call our person junior as such - but no one more senior to her can work at her pace and she doesn't want to be promoted either, she's just really shit hot at her job, I think close to genius would not be exaggerating and so bloody easy to work with, we will cry if she leaves - but her being exceptional doesn't mean others look bad, we all know she is exceptional - it feels like it's the same where you are, it's not easy having to accept that you can't be the best but with these kinds of rare individuals you have no choice.

ItsAlmostSpring · 13/03/2023 06:52

@Lisaaas1 I'm a clinical staff and moved to private sector. The admin staff we lost moved on to other trusts, private sector or retired.

rookiemere · 13/03/2023 07:37

It's easier to work at that pace if you're only 2 days a week. Full time and you will definitely burn out.
Do you have a manager you can speak to about this ? They should be aware about her speed and not expect you to be at that level.

Sarahcoggles · 13/03/2023 07:51

Surely if she's only there 2 days a week and the rest of your colleagues aren't like her, then it wouldn't make the job unbearable for you?