Feeling really down about my situation and not sure what to do.
Recently, well 6 months ago, started a new band 7 role in a new trust. It’s in my field and I don’t find the work above my head. I understand it and what I have to do. My role is split into 2 areas, one I am passionate about and the other not so. I’m regretting accepting the post because of this one I’m not so keen on and the workload, which is building up to crazy levels. I only work on-site a couple of days and from home the other 2. Hours are compressed into 4 days so work 4 longer days. I don’t live in the area so this works well for me and I get more work done at home anyway (no distractions and having to sit in a hot, stuffy room with others who shut the windows).
My role was created to help take pressure from other band 7’s. However, due to areas that haven’t been developed (and impending inspections) it has created a lot of work for
me. I am line managed by the band 8 who assigns work for me. However, another band 8 (who is handing some of his workload to me is also giving me work to do and regularly pulls
me away from what the other 8 has set). And, on top of this, the most other 7’s give me work
they think I should be doing (some
of which my line manager has said I shouldn’t be doing). They have taken on another two band 7’s to help them too. I am feeling a bit isolated in meetings as if it’s me against them. I am
start to suffer with anxiety and sleeplessness nights due to the workload. I am also doing a Master’s, and now struggling with that as my anxiety is kicking in on my days off (I do it via distance learning in my own time). Not once has my line manager assessed my workload, even though it’s a new role. Nor have I been asked if I am coping etc. My appraisal didn’t give me a change as my manager was late and he checked his emails the first ten minutes! So, time
ran out before I could say anything.
I am losing money with this role due to the travel costs and stays over. I am on my own and still
paying divorce fees back. I have no family apart from my children (one at uni, one at 6th form).
I am worried I will snap and walk. I am
reluctant to say anything due to being new. However, I have an exemplary 25 year career in the NHS. The trust has struggled to recruit. I have loads of qualifications in the area. To walk away would be disastrous but my health is suffering already. I have been a 7 before and it wasn’t as bad.
I have looked for 6 posts locally but there is nothing, even in other areas.
Any ideas what I can do? I
am not enjoying this job at all
and it’s affecting my life.
It seems to be that band 7’s are
treated like this because they are
a 7 and paid more.