Returning from ML to double the work

[laughialmostdid]

I went back to my old job after almost a year on ML. I knew that there had been a few changes in my department while I was away but I didn't know that one of my senior colleages had left and I would be expected to take over her role as well as do my own job. This has created lots of extra work and I am sinking, I just cannot keep up. I haven't complained so far and don't know if I've left it too late. I understand that a company can't just sit still while someone is on ML but isn't the job they return to meant to be the same? There has been no talk of a pay rise to acknowledge the fact that I am now doing a lot extra - who should I speak to about sharing the workload out? It's a really small department and I don't want to be seen as difficult.

If you can't get the work done in the hours they are paying you, then clearly something has to give. I'd make a daily to-do list and at the end of each day, record what hasn't got done. If you do that for a week, you can then go to your boss with a clear explanation of what the problem is.

Is it just a backlog that had built up while you were away? If so, you could suggest getting a temp for a few weeks to help you clear it.

If not, you should explain (in writing if necessary) that you'll prioritise your tasks everyday, the most urgent will get done and the less urgent won't. You aren't a magician. That also gives your boss the chance to decide who prioritises them!

It doesn't sound as though the fact that you were on ML is particularly relevant to the fact that your workload has increased due to a member of staff leaving. Just as a matter of record you are not entitled to the same job if you take longer than 6 months ML, but something suitable on no less favourable terms and conditions.

But as I say, I don't think that's the problem, the problem is their decision not to replace someone, which presumably would have happened regardless of your ML.

In terms of who you should speak to, your line manager. If your workload is too much it's your manager you need to speak to about managing it, reducing it, or making whatever adjustments are possible to make it doable. Again if you feel you need a payrise, a job description re-writing or anything as a result of the new responsibilities you are taking on, you need to speak to your manager.

No, not a backlog, just an on-going slog. The person covering my ML also struggled but the company has decided to tighten its belt and let people go through "natural wastage".

That's interesting about the job doesn't have to be identical if you take more than 6 months ML. I just feel so defeated by it all - very competitive industry and lots of people will gladly take this on if I leave.

Maybe you could get a bit creative here.

The country is full of new graduates desperate to get some work experience so that they can use it to get a full time job.

Why don't you go to your boss with a suggestion. Could they take on an "intern" ie a graduate who will work with you for 3 months on basically minimum waqe. (Or some companies only pay expenses). The student gets something to put on their CV, you get some help with the less demanding bits of your work and your boss gets all the work done (or at least most of it) for very little extra money.