I have been off sick from work for 2 1/2 weeks now as I got extremely depressed. My employer bombards me with huge amounts of work and my job isn't what it used to be anymore. I can't finish my work, because I am constantly called away. I have talked to him that we need another person, but he said that they don't have the budget and instead work will get even more in teh future. I just can't deal with it anymore, i am doing the job of 3 people at the moment. I don't have a sick note for the last 1 1/2 weeks, I don't know why, was too weak from depression to do anything. I like my job if it is normal again and I don't want to loose it, but I can't face it at the moment as I am close to a nervous breakdown. Please don't tell me to stop whining, etc. It is a serious situation and I am at risk of loosing my job and everything that comes with it.
2006-11-16 12:49:45 · 11 answers · asked by Wednesday 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I can't have no job, because I won't be able to live on anything. I need some serious time off the job though. I am also a Union member.
2006-11-16 13:00:35 · update #1
You must contact your GP. If its convenient take a friend along for support. As far as I know back-dated sickness lines are valid- after all you could have been in a coma for the previous week. Failing that, insist on a home visit from your GP. 'Phone or write to your employer-they may be unsympathetic but it shows you have been trying to manage the conduct of your abscence. Assuming you get a long-term sickness note, (even two weeks), use the time to make a note of the demands made on you and why you consider them unreasonable. Contact your union rep or professional representative- they should be able to give you legal advice and support in any tribunal. It is the duty of your employer to ensure safe and secure working conditions for you and this certainly includes work-related stress. You will probably not lose your job, so do not worry on that account. So get in touch with your GP first, you'll feel alot better having made that first step. Remember stress is an illness, as much as flu, measles, chickenpox etc, it can and does happen to anyone and its NOT a sign of weakness! Good Luck!
2006-11-16 13:14:08 · answer #1 · answered by troothskr 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would have a talk with the union steward about this.
Then based upon his advice, I would check on your options. There is something called the Family and Medical Leave Act, which protects a person for unpaid time off (the law only protects your job, not your pay), but it would give you some time off.
Have you seen a psychologist about this, or checked in the the Employee Assistance Program. Depression that prevents you from going to work needs to be addressed - now. You have nothing to lose by talking to the EAP administrator or the union steward, but you have everything to lose if you just don't show up to work.
2006-11-16 21:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sympathise deeply.I'm not going to say stop whining but do try to stay strong.I understand life probably seems hazy and things are overwhelming you.
It struck me as I read your comments that maybe you are being pushed out of the job, deliberately.Hope I'm wrong there!
I think you should return to work and immediately go about an internal transfer through whatever channels are available.But that's a short-term solution only.You should also try to get another job soon, similar maybe even to what you have already.
In the meantime though, I suggest you try leaving work behind you when at home, and kick back more often.
2006-11-16 21:32:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you talk to a therapy person or a shrink while your off for the time being get them to write you a note stating why, once you have that note you shouldnt loose your job at all, your job is and the co workers need to understand whats going on with you. I truly hope this helps you best of luck to you
2006-11-16 21:52:46 · answer #4 · answered by mommyandbaby 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally sympathise!
Get the sick note
Get another job
I dropped from 80hr week to 45 and paid 10k more.
How is the employer coping without you ???
2006-11-16 20:53:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No job is worth you sanity.
Go to your Union rep. Have her review your job description as well as your current duties. She'll get you out of it.
2006-11-16 21:06:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Are you in a union?
If not seek legal advice
2006-11-16 20:56:23 · answer #7 · answered by ak bell 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
as soon as you feel used and overworked, start looking elsewhere. your own mental and emotional health are paramount in what you do for a living. look out for yourself.
2006-11-16 21:00:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Contact Health and Safety and explain your situation, see what they can do.
2006-11-16 20:54:17 · answer #9 · answered by Jazz 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
yes
2006-11-16 21:00:04 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋