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Only 2 days in but family struggling

111 replies

Overwhelmed124 · 05/09/2024 09:59

I got a job with Asda and started Monday. The induction was awful and felt like a spare part. Second shift today and I just dont want to go in.
My husband is having some issues with mental health at the moment and laying guilt on me for leaving him to go to work. And my youngest is not happy as will have to let himself in after school and I wont be back until nearly 7, so tea will be late.
Dont know what to do. We need the money but Im working 4 days and 23 hours.
Is it worth seeing if I can reduce hours/work longer shifts or just leave it?
Im also finding the job overwhelming as so much to learn.

OP posts:
Hazeby · 06/09/2024 07:03

That’s good, I’m glad your second day was better. Keep going!

Whats your husband’s treatment plan for his stress? Is he doing what the doctor has recommended?

Tooting33 · 06/09/2024 07:17

Well done to keep going at work, it will be difficult after a long time as SAHM.

I remember volunteering after a period of anxiety/depression when I barely left the house, I just kept telling myself to turn up and breathe when it felt over

MSLRT · 06/09/2024 07:20

You’re doing great. Give it time. It might also help your husband to have to focus on doing more at home and supporting you.

Tooting33 · 06/09/2024 07:20

Aah... accidentally hit post.

... when it felt overwhelming. It does get better.

Don't worry too much about your husband at the moment, just get settled in your work. Tackle one thing at a time.

Solonga · 06/09/2024 07:25

You DH and DS should both be making the evening meal together so it is ready when you get in. You need to be concentrating on your new job and not worrying about them and making the evening meal when you get home.

ClockwiseHoneysuckle · 06/09/2024 07:48

If your husband is just sleeping and watching TV all day, he can't really complain that you aren't around to wait on him. It would probably be good for him to do begin to do useful stuff around the house.

DolyKat · 06/09/2024 07:49

Well done OP.
You've absolutely got this.

By the end of the month you'll all be settled into a new routine. Going out to work just means you have to plan ahead a bit and share out the domestic load.
Just think of the money you're earning every day.

Congratulations on the new job

Sadmamatoday · 06/09/2024 07:52

Congratulations on the new job OP. Any new job is overwhelming, just give yourself time to find your feet, in no time you'll be a pro. It sounds like things are already improving, all the best!

Kelly51 · 06/09/2024 08:40

Well done, your DH is home all day and your DC is 14, they can moan all they like, they do not need you running after them.

anothernewstart9 · 06/09/2024 10:54

Whatineed · 05/09/2024 10:42

No one expects a new staff member to be 100% on it from the get go. Take your time, listen and ask questions. Some things will stick, some things will need some practise.

If they didn't think you could do the job they wouldn't have hired you.

You may find a lot of benefits from working, getting out of the house, chatting with colleagues and customers etc and your husband has no right to guilt you into staying home.

Your son will cope, and you can get in some things (with your new staff discount eventually!) so that he can prepare some food for when he gets home - soup, beans, bread etc. Your husband needs to step up on this too if he's at home.

You can do it OP, just give it time.

Absolutely this x

HappyDane · 06/09/2024 12:12

Overwhelmed124 · 06/09/2024 06:49

Wow wasnt expecting so many replies. Yesterday was better, Im finding my feet and came hope to cooked tea.
I think a lot of the issue is that I am putting pressure on myself to make sure everybody is ok. My husband had a bad day though but I told him off last night and said he needs to try to do more in the day except sleeping and watching tv.
Only time will tell
Still so bloody nervous at work though. Its so much to learn.

So glad to hear you're already feeling better about it, and it's brilliant that you came home to a cooked meal too!

Intriguedbythis · 06/09/2024 12:14

Ozanj · 05/09/2024 10:44

DS is 4 and can organise himself a quick tea - eg cereal fruit and milk or telling dad to put something I’ve already cooked into microwave.

Cereal milk as their evening meal? And why do they need to tell their dad to make their supper ? 😯

caringcarer · 06/09/2024 12:51

Overwhelmed124 · 05/09/2024 10:35

Husband works shifts 6-2/2-10 but off with stress at moment til health issues resolved. Youngest is 14 but seems way younger.
I used to be such a strong person, but years a sahm has squashed that.

If DH is not working ATM surely he's home when D's gets in from school and could make their tea. It would be nice to or you to have a hot meal cooked for you to come home to. Don't let them stop you working. A 14 year old is perfectly capable of getting himself some toast and eating fruit if he's hungry. They are both acting like babies.

G5000 · 06/09/2024 13:17

And why do they need to tell their dad to make their supper ? 😯

That poster is, as I understand, talking about their own 4yo, not OPs 14yo. Still an appropriate age to ask a parent to cook.

HappyDane · 06/09/2024 13:52

I think maybe the poster is baffled at the idea that the child's father needs asking to put dinner on!

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 06/09/2024 13:59

It takes a good 6 weeks or so to get settled in a new job, and not just you doing the actual job but the family also making the adjustments themselves as well to the new way of life.

If DH isn't working, he can do more at home and being productive at home might help him get well.

Keep going OP, you're doing great.

babyhighlandcow · 06/09/2024 16:05

HappyDane · 06/09/2024 13:52

I think maybe the poster is baffled at the idea that the child's father needs asking to put dinner on!

I think she did quit the job. Every excuse in the world not to work.

HappyDane · 06/09/2024 16:07

What? No she didn't...there's an update from OP on this page. The comment of mine that you quoted is not about OP.

Gizlotsmum · 06/09/2024 16:09

Give it time. It will feel weird for a while, a lot to learn, if DH isn’t working at the moment then he can support your child. At 14 he can fix himself a snack and do homework till you come home. DH can get tea started if he is home. It will be worth it once you are all in a new routine. My 12yr old will be coming home to an empty house occassionally until his sibling or his dad gets back, he will be fine.

ButterAsADip · 06/09/2024 16:10

I’ve realised that EVERYONE feels this way when starting a new job and it’s not a personal failing and sign to give up. You’re out of your comfort zone and therefore feel uncomfortable. You’ll get there!

babyhighlandcow · 06/09/2024 16:10

HappyDane · 06/09/2024 16:07

What? No she didn't...there's an update from OP on this page. The comment of mine that you quoted is not about OP.

Ooh I missed the update. Excellent news OP!! Well done. Both for sticking to it and tell your dh to bugger off. This will be one of your best decisions made, I am sure. Now just teach your son to cook!

Changeiscomingthisyear · 06/09/2024 16:13

Overwhelmed124 · 06/09/2024 06:49

Wow wasnt expecting so many replies. Yesterday was better, Im finding my feet and came hope to cooked tea.
I think a lot of the issue is that I am putting pressure on myself to make sure everybody is ok. My husband had a bad day though but I told him off last night and said he needs to try to do more in the day except sleeping and watching tv.
Only time will tell
Still so bloody nervous at work though. Its so much to learn.

Excellent news. Is DH seeking support with his MH?

Motherrr · 06/09/2024 16:16

It sounds like they are both leaning on you very heavily... your son is old enough to be able to make himself a simple dinner (or warm up some leftovers)
Your husband should not be making you feel guilty for going to work. Make it clear that you're still there to support him but that you need to go and do this for yourself and for the extra income.

And don't be daunted a couple of days into a job. It's always the way at the beginning but I'm sure you will settle in

ilovesushi · 06/09/2024 16:31

Well done on getting the job! It is early days and you are bound to feel overwhelmed. They won't expect you to pick up everything right away. If something doesn't make sense, or you are uncertain, just ask. Give yourself some time to get settled and more confident. Hopefully you will meet some good colleagues and it will become more enjoyable. Try and switch off from your home life at work or you will feel torn in two and unable to focus. Can you give your son a quick call on your break? Is he set up with snacks, homework instructions etc? I know everyone is saying he is 14, but you know your son and what he needs.

ilovesushi · 06/09/2024 16:34

Intriguedbythis · 06/09/2024 12:14

Cereal milk as their evening meal? And why do they need to tell their dad to make their supper ? 😯

My mind is boggled by the 4 year old running catering arrangements. "Father, heat that up!" "Mother, dice that!"