3 years ago, I started as a project support officer in a tiny team at a respected institution. From day one, the role felt like a poor fit, onboarding was non existent and I received little guidance or training. Despite achieving double our recruitment target, requests for support were denied due to funding. Eventually, the stress of an unmanageable workload became overwhelming and I was signed off sick for 6 weeks with burnout. On returning, nothing changed and had a 6 week backlog to deal with.
Nine months ago, as my contract neared its end and the Project Manager prepared for maternity leave, I was told promised funding for an extension had fallen through. My only option was to apply for her role. I took it out of necessity.
2 days later she went on maternity , I stepped into a demanding role with no handover, no training, and no support. The position requires regulatory contractual and specialist knowledge I didn’t have, and much of the existing tasks and documentation were incomplete or unavailable. I’ve done my best, but the pressure has taken a serious toll on my health.
I handed my notice in on Monday and leave in 2 weeks, I have a further 2 weeks annual leave to tag on the end. I worry how others will see my work, but I know I gave everything I had in a situation that was never built for success.
Time is limited and I won't be able to tie up all the loose ends. The project will be paused until September. What would you put in place for your replacement. I feel sad that someone on paper will look at the job and think it sounds amazing, but the reality is that its a ticking bomb.