Overworked

[SinkorSwim]

I'm in the construction field. About a year in a half ago one of my terminally ill coworkers passed away. We ended up hiring a new drafter and things were dandy for about 6 months. Then they started to get more greedy at work, we will take on bigger and better jobs now(even though we still have the same amount of drafters). Let's expand our already can't fill warehouse full of product in which we can't fill up right now with three drafters. So they are expanding the production area but not the drafting area. I decided 6 months ago to start going back to school. I still work 45 hours a week and take school online and on weekends. I have been really stressed out with my job. I have been on every anxiety med known to man. I am on three at the moment. I just can't focus at work anymore and I can't quit because I have a house and school to pay for. I still have a year and a half left of school and today my boss asked me if I could work more hours since 45 hours isn't enough. Both of my coworkers pulled all nighters and one worked 34 hours straight. I can't do that I can't even begin to think about how to even do that. I do my best but my best isn't good enough anymore. I am tired and I don't know what to do. I know I will stick it out because there is no other option, but I am afraid I am going to end up in the mental hospital because I won't be able to handle all the stress anymore.

 

[Mim28]

You already know what your stress max is and it's causing more anxiety. I know what it's like to strive for balance and have to push myself to do more. I can do it for short periods of time, but not long term. I know the impact that has on my system.
I would ask if there are times you feel you can do more but don't because more will lead to even more? or are you clear on what your maximum work level is?
You are in a tough situation. I know we discussed the option of moving to another company. I pray that you are able to manage this until you get through school.
Hugs,
Mim

 

[Elevatorguy]

the best time to look for a job, is when you have one...

 

[Justmehere]

No is a complete sentence. In the workplace, something like "thank you for considering me and for the opportunity to work more hours. I am unable to do so at this time. I'm glad to continue to give you my best when I am on the job."

If you truly were not good enough they likely would not be asking you to work more hours.

If it's not paid hourly, then sit down with your boss and tell them your team of drafters are struggling to keep up with the great opportunities and you l really need another hire to continue to do great work.

Set the boundary with gentle professionalism about what you can do before you get yourself into a bad spot where you can't do it at all.

 

[KristenEve]

First give yourself some credit. That's amazing that you are able to work AND are furthering your education. That takes determination!!

I think somehow you need to just choose a priority and put your time there first. From the sound of it, I would say your health is number one. Whatever priority is next then that gets what time you have left. So if it's school, back off hours at work. If it's work, then maybe take a break from school. You're the only one that can make those decisions, but at least from the looks of it, you're aware there is a problem before it's gotten out of hand. Now you just have to act on it. Prayers for you!! You're not alone in this.

 

[GrayOwl]

I work in a terminally toxic environment.
We've had people die in the workplace.
Two on my crew have committed suicide.
One died of a fatal drug overdose.
Many have been crippled with what our employer calls "pre-existing conditions".
I have a federal court order to cease and desist all forms of harassment.
It hasn't worked, but I kept my job.
5,000 others have not in the two locations I have worked in (in 16 years).
I was on mandatory overtime for 800 weeks (15+ years).
Those who did not show up for mandatory overtime were fired.

Do you think we need new rules in this country?
Unemployment at record lows? Bullshit. Jobs suck and fatcats get richer.
I work in a grocery store. Workers should not die in grocery stores.

Suggestions for sanity???
Re-evaluate what you need out of life. Live simply. Eat cheaply. Buy your duds at Goodwill. Get out of debt. Share or find cheap living quarters. Then, look for a decent, meaningful job with a good employer or find a way to work for yourself.

Or join a Buddhist Monastery. Somedays an empty room with a meditation rock and a cot sounds just fine.

Why did I keep this job? Long story, limited sanity. Hard worker, limited cranial capacity....I guess. But there are reasons. Insurance and promises....

I am working with state and federal legislators, government agencies, and labor groups to bring about changes. This helps me to maintain my sanity.
The concept in this country that we can run people through the gauntlet 50 - 60 hours a week, 34 hours straight - to keep up with third world economies is insane. We are being played.
That's not the point of this website. The point is you. You need to protect your sanity and you need to take bold steps to do so - if you feel overworked and stressed - you should. You are.
Find some time to relax. Agree with Elavatorguy - great suggestion - you can always look. Your employer can scarcely afford to lose you right now, if there's a hint you're looking, something may give, maybe not. But you really really need to work on some positives and distressing and being good to yourself.
I hope it helps and I hope things improve for you shortly.
BTW, I am taking my advice and nearing the end of my 5 year plan I have debt paid down, some savings to get me by, and I have found a new employer who loves my work, treats me well, and wants me full time sometime next year when I can afford to switch jobs. In the meantime I am working P/T at both and surviving.
Next life I'm coming back as somebody's support cat.....

Great post. Thank you.

 

[SinkorSwim]

Thankfully I just finished my first semester up of college. So I guess working extra hours right now isn't so bad because I don't start school again until January 30th. Once January 30th comes though I will be going back down to 45 hours a week. I can't keep working 12 hour days. It's not possible. My boss knows they need to hire another person and he keeps saying they can't find one. I just have to keep my head above water at this point and know that in a year and a half I am out of here! I know I will be better off financially if I can keep this job while I am doing school. I can pay off school as I go with this job. If I were to take a lesser paying job I couldn't do that. So as much as I hate the stress I know it's only going to be for a short while and then I can get my life back on track. It's the initial anxiety panic I had to work out in my head.