Unsure how to request a break from work.
I work in a job where it’s essentially a contractual basis (we take up projects). I’m slammed and tired. Working essentially 7 days a week and am always on ‘call’, meaning even if I do go home early, I’m always terrified of hearing my phone messages.
It’s hard to just ‘quit’ because I have obligations towards my own assigned projects and clients. Clients whom I made promises to myself.
Work environment is good, boss doesn’t really understand ‘personal’ time but he’s great. Colleagues are great. Boss often treats me to food and gives me opportunities he doesn’t give others (partially why I’m so slammed).
When he saw I bought myself a new laptop, he even covered it as a company expense (no one else got this incentive when they bought their own).
Everyone seems to have high expectations of me which is why it feels so f-ing hard to just go: “I can’t anymore, I’m sorry but I want to stop taking any more projects, clear my existing ones and go on a break.”
I know if everyone is good, they’ll be understanding. It’s not like they’ll tell me no nor can they really stop me if I push for it but it’s the shame. It just feels so f-ing shameful because it feels like I’m giving up.
Netizens’ comments
- step no 1: open your mouth and request for x numbers of days leaves
step no 2: stop being a ‘sponge’. half of your described problems caused by your inability to say No and set boundaries. you seem like to come across as Ms/Mr nice person. if you don’t change this, nobody can help you. - Talk to your boss? If he is as great as u think he is then he might arrange a solution for you. Maybe hire someone else to help you out, or reduce your workload. People around you might not understand the workload you are saddled with, especially if you keep gritting your teeth and continue pulling through. What’s the worst that can happen? If your boss disagrees you quit, if u keep quiet about it you will quit eventually anyway.
- Taking a break will just be kicking the can down the road. If the nature of the job entails high pressure and being on call all the time, maybe it’s not the right one for you and it’s time to consider a permanent change instead of a break.