Dear Dorothy,
I’ve been working at my current job for a year now, and I really love what I do. However, my boss is extremely demanding. They expect me to be available 24/7, constantly overload me with tasks, and never seem to acknowledge my hard work. This is affecting my work-life balance and causing me a lot of stress. I’m at my wit’s end and don’t know how to cope. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Rosie
Dear Rosie,
I’m sorry to hear about your challenging situation. It’s tough when you love your job but feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on you. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue:
1. Assess the situation
First, take a step back and assess the situation objectively. Is your boss’s behaviour consistently demanding, or are there specific periods when the workload increases? Understanding the pattern can help you address the issue more effectively.
2. Set boundaries
It’s essential to set clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Communicate your availability to your boss and colleagues. For example, you can let them know that you will respond to emails and messages during work hours but will be unavailable after a specific time unless it’s an emergency.
3. Prioritise tasks
When your boss gives you multiple tasks, prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Create a to-do list and share it with your boss to ensure that you are aligned on what needs to be done first. This can help manage their expectations and ensure you’re focusing on the most critical tasks.
4. Communicate effectively
Have an open and honest conversation with your boss about your workload. Use specific examples to illustrate your concerns. For instance, you could say, “I’ve noticed that I’ve been receiving tasks outside of work hours quite frequently, which makes it challenging to maintain a work-life balance. Can we discuss how to manage the workload more effectively?”
5. Seek support
Reach out to HR or a trusted colleague for support. They may provide advice on handling the situation or offer to mediate a conversation between you and your boss.
6. Take care of yourself
Ensure you’re taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Practice stress-relief techniques such as exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. Taking care of yourself will help you manage stress more effectively.
7. Explore other opportunities
If the situation doesn’t improve despite your efforts, it might be worth exploring other job opportunities. Your health and well-being are paramount, and there are many workplaces that value a healthy work-life balance.
Remember, you have the right to a healthy work environment. Taking these steps can help you regain control and create a more manageable and fulfilling work experience.
Best of Luck,
Dorothy