On a "support" plan. Feel like death

[topcat2014]

53, accountant. Employer lost money last year. I'm on a support plan (hollow laugh) and feel like death.

Anyone got news of how their life got better?

I now realise we are all just one bad meeting away from mental health problems

I'm not sure anyone can give you a meaningful answer because it's not clear what the context is. What is a "support plan" - is that some kind of welfare thing or is it a performance management thing, or something else entirely? Why do you "feel like death"? What does that mean? Employers can have a lean year amongst many good ones - what does them losing money last year mean, and how does it relateto these other things (if it does)?

As in on a PIP? I'd be looking for another job.

It can be awful when bad news knocks your mental health. Don't suffer alone and go to GP if you are struggling.

You could call it a PIP. I feel I'm being blamed for the organisation losing money and it feels as though my whole working career has been a fraud.

I know it's melodramatic and I should probably be tougher, but I'm not.

It's public sector

Literally not sleeping or eating or speaking to family

@topcat2014

Do you have the union involved? That all sounds horrible. I'd keep evidence to prove you aren't responsible. If you are then maybe you should look for another job. Try not to let it ruin your personal life (easy to say)

Speak to your GP. This sounds like bullying. Your health comes first.
At this stage I'm sure it's difficult to think straight.

You may need some time off.

I am in a union and am looking for another job..I think its mostly the shock.

I am generally a goody two shoes at work etc, 50 hrs per week etc.

Not sure why I've bothered at this point.

Thanks

Wrong thread - sorry!

Have they "lost" money ie an accounting error or made less money?

What does the PIP consist of?

Your post r minds me of my husband - also an accountant. His work is everything. When stress it's the same completely retreats into himself, monosyllabic, sleepless nights. I have to remind him it's a job not his life. Don't make your job your be all and end all.

OP it sounds like you're feeling really low. Have you been to your GP, I'd strongly advise getting support there too. And if its meaning you are finding it hard to function, getting signed off sick could be an option too.

But also do look at the free workplace counselling here Home - Access to Work (there are other providers too). Its specifically about supporting people experiencing stress, depression or anxiety in the workplace, by flexible counselling. I'm a careers consultant and have had clients who've had excellent support from them, which made all the difference. Good luck.

Thanks for the messages. Expenditure has exceeded income, rather than theft or fraud.

I'm looking for jobs that don't have "chief" in the title. So called status isn't really worth the stress

No it really isn't - have you reviewed all of your personal finances to see what you need to earn? Very little is worth a toxic work environment.

Speak to an employment lawyer so you can prep a settlement agreement.

It's not you - over a long career it's funny how a job/org can be fine for years, a few key people leave and it becomes a whole other place and you hang on for too long as you can't quite believe the turnabout.

This extreme stress is really bad, damaging to your physical and mental health. Please speak with your GP and ensure you get the support you need to get through this difficult period.

I’m sorry. Don’t let this knock your confidence. You are not solely responsible for the business results - you and the other chiefs have all contributed to the good, the bad and the ugly of last year’s performance.

And as a finance professional you are often held accountable for finances without having the corresponding level of responsibility or control for departmental budgets or involvement in setting strategy and plans to generate income.

Hold your head high and don’t sell yourself short. To get a c-suite job you must be pretty bloody brilliant at what you do x

I'm on a PIP and it was so unexpected
Confidence at an all time low, I don't feel respected or wanted.
It's awful. I don't have advice to offer really other then I just do job to my best ability

I really feeling for you. Workplace bullying (which unwarranted performance management is) absolute messes with your head. I hope you get out of there soon.

It's fucking awful. When i had a similar situation I'd burst into tears all day in work, made a right show of myself, was a nervous wreck, and used to fantasise about throwing myself off the multi storey. I left on my own terms and felt like a new person. Just try and get out as soon as you can..you WILL feel better once u do. Sending love and support x

In the public sector - isnt expenditure exceeding income or budget just the way it is? Councils have no money, the NHS is almost bankrupt. Everything is about cutting back. You cannot be responsible for that surely?

Presumably, though, you were accounting for the money, rather than incurring the expenditure?
How did the monthly monitoring go? And were managers making an effort to control expenditure.

Public sector has statutory responsibilities. Sometimes it is difficult to rein in the expenditure, especially on a short timescale (as literally no government seems to appreciate).

Good grief TopCat this sounds horrendous. But please be calm, see GP, start looking for a new job, and then when you feel really just return to work do your job with your head held high until you get another job offer and then you can hand in your notice.

Thanks all for replies. Back to work tomorrow. Let's see how things go. I may report back. Good luck @janewayxchakotay