I am having a hard time at work, my workload is too big and it's making me very stressed and anxious. I can't keep up with the amount of work I'm being asked to do.
No, worked very well
No
Hi, how are you today?
assistant
Others
Not doing so well today, I'm having a really hard time at work. I'm feeling super stressed about the workload I have, I just can't keep up with it all!
user
null
I’m sorry to hear that. Work can be a bad source of stress. Do you have anyone that can help with the workload?
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
Not really, there's only me in my role so don't really have anyone to help. I have tried talking to my line manager but she doesn't seem to understand just how busy I am.
user
null
Can the company hire any more people? Maybe they can work from home, and take some work off your plate. The line manager might also need some help with her workload. I understand that budgets can be tight. Maybe someone part-time?
assistant
Providing Suggestions,Providing Suggestions
From what I hear they aren't willing to hire anyone else, but I don't know the reasons why. I can only speak to my line manager and then she speaks to higher management.
user
null
Your manager sounds unsympathetic. That's very frustrating. A lot of people are in your situation in this pandemic: too much work, not enough help. Do you want to leave the company? Look for greener pastures?
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance,Providing Suggestions
I have been keeping an eye out for other jobs, but like you say things are difficult just now with the pandemic, there isn't a lot out there!
user
null
Very true. Have you talked to your co-workers about this issue? What do they think?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
They are all feeling stretched as well so they understand. I am trying to not talk about it too much with them, I don't want to be seen as the person who's always complaining!
user
null
Yeah, that's a good point. A little complaining is ok, but a lot can get on people's nerves. They want to be sympathetic, but after a while, they just get tired of you.
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing,Affirmation and Reassurance
Yeah, I don't want them all to stop talking to me cause they find me annoying! I'm trying to stay positive, but it's hard some days! As much as I try to start the day in a positive frame of mind it quickly gets sucked out of me!
user
null
What do you do outside of work? Hobbies and such.
assistant
Others
At the moment I'm not getting outside as much as I should, I do enjoy gaming but it's hard to find time. I've been working 14 hour days all week! My boyfriend tries to tell me to switch off but it's hard when I know there's all this work waiting to be done.
user
null
You could try setting aside an evening or two a week for time with your BF. Just walk out of the office. Try to set some boundaries. That might seem dangerous and risky, but sometimes it's important to set boundaries. If you don't do that, then the managers can just keep taking advantage of you and your work ethic.
assistant
Providing Suggestions,Providing Suggestions,Others
Yeah, he says the same kind of thing, that I need to be firmer and just leave when I'm due to. I guess the only way for them to truely see is for the work to just not get done as there's no time!
user
null
From what you're saying, it sounds like you think you have no power. Is that true? Are you really powerless in this situation? Do not underestimate your power over your life.
assistant
Others
I guess I do feel powerless, I feel like they never really listen to what I'm saying, they just act as if they are but then ignore me.
user
null
It sounds like the managers are training you to be resigned to your fate. If they listen to you, it encourages you to complain. If they ignore you, you go away and leave them alone. However, if you leave work early (after 9 hours, say), then they might notice you. Are you willing to take a risk?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Maybe if I start acting more confidently they will start to listen. I feel like something needs to happen so maybe it's time to take a risk.
user
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