Feel stuck in a corporate job I hate

[arl0627]

I am absolutely miserable in my job. A career I worked so hard for and was so enthusiastic about but have become so disillusioned with and think the profession and corporate world is just not for me anymore. But I feel stuck. I work part time to balance the juggle of childcare and costs and need that flexibility. I don’t know how to get out. I feel so trapped. I’m in tears almost every day and was even checked over in hospital last year as what they concluded must be anxiety was giving me heart pains. I’ve been fearful of getting signed off as terrified of the workload i’ll come back to. It’s a highly pressurised demanding role in a very regulated sector which just compounds the anxiety and has taken its toll on my mental health. Management never follow through with their promises of support either physically in terms of admin or wellbeing. It all feels like ticking a box. Probably to my detriment I am a head down and crack on individual. I have raised concerns with those higher up as well as sought solace/advixe from colleagues but never raised anything formally. It’s become a more worrying downward spiral for at least 2 years. Is it too late? What would you do?

but never raised anything formally

But why ever not? This is absolutely the first thing you need to do - in whatever form that takes in your workplace. Cite all the instances where you have taken issues to your superiors and been ignored or let down by empty promises.

Is there not a professional body to which you might take serious concerns?

Hi @arl0627
You shouldn't be feeling like this in a job hun. It sounds like it's affecting your well being. I would look for another job, just knowing that you'll be leaving for a better job will start making you feel better xx

Take paid sick leave. Then find another job.

Easier said than done I know, but you can't carry on like this so you need to focus on making a change.

there have been many chats with management and those that can do things and say they will but don’t or realise there are challenges with work load etc but promises have been made to recruit or otherwise and it never comes to fruition. Targets are almost impossible to achieve. Ultimately I’ve been accepted what I’ve been told, trusted something is being done or in the “works” and been a head down push on type that is thankful to have employment.

Yes, of course the OP shouldn’t remain in a job that is causing her so much stress.

But she needs to raise the issues she is currently encountering first - as that could influence the manner in which she leaves. If her employer is effectively creating an environment in which it is impossible for her to work safely and efficiently that’s a serious matter - which they would be obliged to address, and redress, if proven.

Thank you @Summer2424. I think you’re right. I’ve stuck it out because of the flexibility I have and need with a young family but I’m not sure it’s worth it as not being the mum I want to be when consumed with work.

Thank you @passthesugar. A change is needed for sure.

Sorry, crossed you, @arl0627.

But when you say you’ve never raised the matter formally - what do you mean? And what’s the reason you haven’t felt able to take this step?

With HR or had it noted for the record. It has felt too big a jump when management are already aware but wonder now if I should have done?

It’s concerning because you indicate this is a professional role?

In my experience you should then be able to take the issue to your professional body - who should be representing your interests. It’s not like being in zero hours, minimum wage work where you have few options other than to leave if you don’t like the work culture.

Yes. You really should have raised this with HR. I’m struggling to understand why you haven’t done so. Does the management discourage it?

Hi @Edmontine ,

it’s not encouraged and I suppose if I was told that it was in hand then it would feel like going over their head to speak to HR and make day to day working more challenging?

If I was you I'd get some interviews for other jobs lined up. What have you got to lose? If you go for interviews but don't get offered then you can decide whether to keep your head down and carry on where you are, or go to management and HR with formal requests for changes/extra support.

What you need right now are options, and you can create these options by searching job ads and putting yourself forward for interviews.

Thanks @WhatdidIdoyesterday. i’ve become so disillusioned with the profession I’ve considered leaving altogether but perhaps that’s just because of where I am and job hop might change things?

going over their head to speak to HR and make day to day working more challenging?

Ok. But now you’ve decided that you (probably) do want to leave this job, you have no need to ingratiate yourself with your managers.

Go to HR. With evidence. I don’t assume they will automatically be on your side. But both for your continued professional progress and your own well-being you need to have it recorded that your working conditions were unsatisfactory and your complaints were not acted upon.

It’s a real pity that your professional training doesn’t seem to have included any guidance on your employment rights!

If its corporate, then assume you give 360 reviews on your manager so raise it there.

Tell your manager you have been super patient but need to get clarity and to protect you and them would like x to happen. What do you want to change exactly?

Then ask your manager who gets paid the big bucks to agree your priority workload. Document the lot on email, ask on the email it is escalated in line with HR policy and ask fir a reply. Cc yourself and your personal email. Just in case you need evidence one day.

Find out who your mental health first aider is, and go see them.

How old are your DC?

Do you have any hobbies you could make into a business?

I left the corporate world (hence my username).

I’d recommend getting some independent support like an Executive Coach to help you work out your options and next steps.

I had 2 jobs where I used to wake up in the mornings with the tears in my eyes. I left them and once I woke up the next morning without a job, I was so happy I didnt need to go there!
i’m in my current work for 12 years now 🤓, but I sent 634 CVs until I got it (the number is correct).

Hr do fuck all about this sort of issue.