Unrealistic workload

[majorkira]

So I had a very high workload which with working with no break was do able
Now I've had more allocated to me and I'm so stressed it's unreal. I tried to express this and what I got was basically you have no choice.
It's so frustrating

Sorry to hear. Are you in a union? Could you speak to HR?

U need to try and do a breakdown of the tasks and the time needed in plain and simple terms
U r entitled to a break. Unfortunately if u do this without a break it will be seen as the norm. Good luck OP

I know you are both right and I do need to speak to HR I just need to grow balls and do it

I'm in the same position, in a new job and they are starting to move the goalposts as to what they are expecting of me, and its far, far more than the last person in the job ever did, and it would definitely mean extra hours that I'd not get paid for, which I will not do. They need me far more than I need them, too, so I really do find it rather odd that they are pushing their luck with me.

You are in a position where the more you do, the more they will give you.
If you can, do what your hours allow, then leave the rest. If it builds up, your line manager will have to do something eg get more staff, redistribute the work load. Don't try to do it all. You're not a bloody slave!

Leave unless it's a really good job

Can you stop doing the work? So just do it at the pace you need to?

Perhaps outline to your manager what your workload currently is, all the individual tasks and the time that each piece of work is likely to take. Prioritise what is most important and then ask them to help you plan for how the rest of the work can get done, including you taking your breaks or you will become overwhelmed and at risk of burnout.

Your employer will take whatever you give: they are never going to turn round and say "hmm we think you've got too much to do, let's take some of that off you."

In too many cases, the only motivator for change (from the top) is if things fail and the bottom line suffers.

I, and everyone in my team, reached burnout during Covid. After months of nothing changing, I got to rock bottom and told my manager what I could and couldn't achieve and stopped doing extra hours. Gradually the whole team followed suit, and after three months an extra person was brought in because the team output had dropped so much. If we hadn't forced it by making the lack of resource so noticeable, we would have been left to get on with it indefinitely.

I have a huge workload but only work the hours I am paid for. I prioritise the most important down to the least important tasks on a list each day and just work down it and if things fall apart then they need to add a staff member. I will not make myself unwell for someone else’s company. If you are unhappy then start applying for other jobs (I like my job there’s just too much work) so I stay but only work my hours. It’s acknowledged now that I have too much to do.

If your Manager isn't listening then you need to raise a grievance, but start with your Manager first and be clear, so that you have a clear path and route forwards. Document, document, document.