Workload situation - how to handle it?

[stretchad]

I started a new job a couple of months ago. So far, my workload has been INSANE, and certainly not what I signed up for. I am regularly working 75+ hrs a week while most people in this type of role (and my expectations) are pulling typical 45-50 hrs a week. Even with the crazy hours, things STILL aren't getting done that should be. I feel incredibly stressed and anxious all the time. I can't sleep, I don't eat much during the day, and my stomach feels like it's in a constant knot. I have zero life outside of work, no room for exercise at all or other things I like to do...

My manager is aware of the workload and says she's actively trying to figure out resourcing. But, it's been a good month without any relief or indication of progress being made. Part of me is nervous that this is how my manager operates, especially given some of the feedback I've heard from others. She just piles on more and more until we break. The other part of me hopes that it's just a matter of time in getting another person on the team to take some of this work.

Anyway, I'm trying to be patient, but how long would you give it before you did something more drastic about it? And when I say do something about it, I mean do I talk to HR about it? Do I talk to HR about other opportunities within the organization? When do I say enough is enough and look for other companies to work for?

[limey]

>>But, it's been a good month without any relief or indication of progress being made.

I'd talk to her again and say a prettied up version of this statement.

"Sharon, a month ago you indicated that you were trying to allocate resources to help alleviate my 75 hour work weeks. What progress has been made? I can't continue like this indefinitely."

Possibly make a suggestion, like off loading work to another department or hiring consultants. (Obviously, this would vary greatly depending on your industry.)

If she hasn't made any progress in another 2 weeks, I'd start seeing what is available internally.

[steph96]

Can you ask coworkers if this is the norm for your position?

Do you think that maybe you are working a lot because you don't quite have the hang of what to do? Or is it just an unreasonable amount of work for anyone period?

Is anyone else putting in this many hours?

Is there anyone within your organization that has the same duties as you? What is their workload like?

[stretchad]

Nov 27, 2012 23:31:45 GMT -5 steph96 said:

Can you ask coworkers if this is the norm for your position?

Do you think that maybe you are working a lot because you don't quite have the hang of what to do? Or is it just an unreasonable amount of work for anyone period?

Is anyone else putting in this many hours?

Is there anyone within your organization that has the same duties as you? What is their workload like?

This level of work is not the norm for this type of position, and the workload of colleagues with similar duties is less. People on my immediate team are working perhaps a little bit more than the norm which indicates to me that my manager tends to be more demanding than others. However other colleagues on the broader team that I'm a part of are definitely not working to this level.

While I think there are SOME things I'm still getting the hang of since I'm noew, it still seems to me to be an unreasonable amount of work for anyone, period. From what I gather about the person who I took over for, she was a seasoned veteran and was still overworked...So, perhaps there will be some stuff that gets a little better, but not sure it's going to be significant.

The other thing weighing in my mind in all of this is that I'm getting ready to try another round of IVF. And I am very nervous that I won't be able keep up with the demands of that and the stress!

[vanillacourage]

I would start looking for another job, so you're keeping your options open. In the meantime ask your boss what an agreed-upon standard workweek would be (50 hours? 60?) and then say, "I have Projects A through G. I can only get five of them done this week. Which two do I have your approval to back-burner or delegate?". After that meeting send her a CYA email restating its outcome.

I wouldn't go over her head to HR unless it's a last resort and you're ok with quitting.

[ECB]

Nov 28, 2012 0:59:40 GMT -5 vanillacourage said:

I would start looking for another job, so you're keeping your options open. In the meantime ask your boss what an agreed-upon standard workweek would be (50 hours? 60?) and then say, "I have Projects A through G. I can only get five of them done this week. Which two do I have your approval to back-burner or delegate?". After that meeting send her a CYA email restating its outcome.

I wouldn't go over her head to HR unless it's a last resort and you're ok with quitting.

All of this. Put the prioritizing on her and then do what you can.

For the fact that you've heard this is how she operates, I really wouldn't expect any relief. So, I'd start looking for a new job.

[aurora]

I agree to set a limit above which you won't work. If you're currently at 75 hrs/week, I might drop that to 60 for the next few weeks, then down to 50 if that's what everyone else in your office is doing (obviously don't limit yourself to a number that is significantly less than the norm unless you don't want to keep the job). Simply tell your boss that you can't accomplish all of the tasks, and ask which ones you can put on the back burner. Don't get caught up in explanations (like the IVF).