I’m burnt out. I’ve been working though it for the past few months but now I’m beginning to make mistakes due to a high stress environment and disorganized management. I get assigned the most projects and when I told my manager I’m overwhelmed. He told me that everything is a priority and that I have a manageable workload.
I’m worried about taking a leave of absence because I do like my coworkers (my quarrel is with my manager) and poor management in general. I do not want to make my coworker’s jobs harder by them having to do my work while I’m gone. I also feel like taking a leave is taking the easy way out.
I do have diagnosed depression and anxiety so I could get a note from my physician or therapist. I just haven’t because I would feel like a bad employee. Again, I’ve tried to work though it but I don’t think I can anymore because I’m so stressed and I’m crying at work and making mistakes due to being overworked.
My manager is the primary cause of this. He is passive aggressive, overworks me, and refuses to leave a paper trail. We have been understaffed for over a year and they will not hire anyone else to help so the extra work falls on me and my coworkers. I get most of the work though proven by actual metrics.
Should I just use vacation (a week paid) or actually request a LOA (unpaid)? How can I avoid feeling guilty for making my coworker’s jobs more difficult if I leave? I also don’t want to get fired when I return (even if they mark it as being unrelated but it’s retaliation) until I find another job.
Comments
Think about what you would tell a co-worker if they came to you with the same problem. Then tell yourself. We expect so much of ourselves, more than we would of anyone else. Treat yourself with the same care and compassion. If you’re crying and not doing your best, take at least a break.