Zero hours contract - so stressed

[namechange552]

I’ve been working on a zero hours contract for a big company for several years now and it’s really starting to affect my mental health. Work has got a lot more competitive in the last few months as new staff and more freelancers have joined, and there’s more of us competing for less hours.

I get good feedback from senior staff but whenever I make even a tiny mistake I totally crumple inside and think that’s it for me, they won’t book me for any more work and I will lose my house. Especially when they have so many freelancers they can use.

I’ve had a lot on my plate due to family issues and today was very stressful. A senior person came over to ask me a question and I started looking up something on my computer to show him, related to what he was asking, whilst he was talking. In hindsight it was rude - I was in a bit of a flap as he suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

I almost immediately realised the rudeness of not maintaining eye contact or appearing I wasn’t listening, and that made me jumble up my words as I was feeling anxious that he was thinking the same. I’m sure he gave me a funny look and I now can’t stop panicking that he thinks I’m rude and an idiot and that I’ve further jeopardized my chances of more work.

Long story short I feel I can’t have an off minute, let alone an off day, without putting my income at risk - and this has turned me into a nervous wreck due to the pressure. I looked at photos of my kids during my lunch break today and couldn't stop crying as I felt so worried that I’m not giving them a secure future.

Because of this I’ve been applying for permanent jobs in recent months (including at the company I’ve done zero hours for) but despite having some interviews I have gotten nowhere. This is even for jobs with a significantly lower salary than what I’m earning zero hours.

I only have £1K in savings as my wages don’t stretch to much once everything is paid for. I can’t cut any expenditure like holidays because we don’t take them.

Help.

Struggling to sleep as I can’t stop stressing. Can anyone relate?

Long story short I feel I can’t have an off minute, let alone an off day, without putting my income at risk - and this has turned me into a nervous wreck due to the pressure.

But you've been working there for several years and surely you must've had off minutes and days? I wouldn't panic too much about that, I'm sure they understand you're human.

Keep looking for permanent work though and I'm sure you'll get something.

Also, I heard something about an eminent change in the law for zero hours contract workers.

You'll have to look it up but basically I think if they use someone regularly, they'll have to give them regular work rather than zero hours if that makes sense?

Ok. Breathe :)

I did zero hours for various companies as an inexperienced, lacking in confidence young woman. My first job I burst into tears on day 3 after nearly getting the sack on day 1 as agency had vastly oversold my experience! I know that feeling of insecurity.

The way I turned it round was to pretend I was a really calm HR manager who's style I admired and pretend I was her. The change was amazing. Although inwardly I still felt scared, I was able to pass off the swan with feet paddling furiously underneath. I started getting really good feedback and specific requests for me.

I don't know if something like that might help?

These days I like to start my days off with 10 mins of Great Meditations channel on YouTube which sets me up.

Remember, too, you have several years proven experience with really good feedback. :)

I hope you sleep xx

in terms of what happened I bet that guy does not remember anything odd about the interaction now.

you however sound burnt out and exhausted. Please be kind to yourself.

@TinyTempest Thank you, yes - it was a manifesto promise of Labour to ban them.

I would hugely welcome that (if it ever happens - not sure how likely it is) but am also very scared I’d be left with nothing if my current company was forced to hire more staff and I was once again unsuccessful at interview.

It all feels so precarious.

Thanks, I really hope you’re right.

I think I do feel burnt out by the constant uncertainty.

I've just had a quick Google and the change isn't due until 2027.

But I don't think it would involve an interview. The way I understand it (could be wrong, so do check), is that if they're giving you regular hours on zero contract, they'll then be obliged to offer you those hours on a permanent basis if you ask them to.

@TinyTempest thank you. Gosh, 2027 is a long wait. I wonder if it’ll even happen as so many pledges by all governments seem to get watered down.

Found out today my hours will be cut for November due to less work available. So worried. Fortunately I cleared my credit card debt a few years ago but think I might have to take out another loan.

Hi @namechange552, we've moved this to our Work board, as requested

You must be good at your job or they would have stopped giving you hours ages ago.

You say you get good feedback from the senior team, and you’ve had interviews for permanent roles. So far this is positive.
I would ask for feedback on why you didn’t get the permanent jobs.
Is it your interview technique? It does take practice to sound confident. Do you have examples of tasks you’ve accomplished that you can talk through at interview using the STAR model? Or is it something else e.g. you need training in certain skills etc.

I think the incident with your colleague was a non issue and they probably saw that you were looking for information, not being rude, try not to overthink it.

Thank you @CloudyAcorn 🙏 Work is looking very low for November so I’m pretty stressed. Is it possible to get a bank loan on a zero hours contract? I need something to tide me over.