New job

@Balkey

I told my workplace I had anxiety and panic attacks after I lost my parents. They had to advise me to take leave - 3 months off. I told them that if I did that, I might get worse and that instead I would take leave gradually. I think when you tell them something like that, they have to act on it, otherwise if things get worse and you make a workcover claim the employer has to show Workcover that they are actively doing something to help you. It is more a response to prevent a liability issue, that is the role of HR, really. You could say that you really enjoyed other aspects of your role taken away and that the issue was more to do with seating rather than the role itself causing those symptoms. And yes, they did not do the right thing by not consulting you first about any changes. They should have sat down with you and spoke to you face to face about the changes.

But I know what you mean about open plan offices. They are awful. Whoever invented them needs a good smack.

Hey @Balkey ,

That sounds stressful. I wonder if your workplace is willing to work with you through this?

What do you think you’ll do?

Hi @tyme

right now all I want to do is quit and walk away from everything. I honestly don’t know what to do. I was hoping someone on this forum might have experience or suggestions. Regards Balkey

hey @Balkey i hear how frustrating it can be to be given a different area to work on without any discussions before hand.

during covid i had a situation where my managers and a couple employees suddenly caught covid and i had to take on some manager-level duties and work extra hours (i had only completed my training a few months ago and was not ready for this). being given those new tasks with very little communication was extremely overwhelming, i felt like i didn't really get time to prepare myself for it but i did push through. as hard as it was, i am proud of myself for getting through it and i did end up learning some new skills (looks good on the resume). but yes i wish they had discussed with me beforehand instead of throwing me into the deep end.

it looks no one had a proper discussion with you around those changes, and that sudden change can make us feel a bit panicked. sometimes the communication isn't great and all we can do is our best. i guess with you site supervisor on holiday it makes the communication part a lil messy, but you can still have the discussion with them when they're back or with the group manager to let them know that you'd prefer some notice and discussion in the future when changes are made. if you want to walk away from this job, that's your choice too.

Hey @Balkey ,

I'm totally hearing you. It is not uncommon at all.

From my own experiences, I wonder it it's like they draw you in by dangling a carrot on a stick, but once you are in, and if they don't like you, then they take the carrot away, and everything else with it.

Do you have opportunity to apply out? I recognise you mentioned this seemed like a dream job.

Hi @tyme , @rav3n

thanks for your reply. I think part of my problem is that I also feel stuck. Jobs in my area of expertise are pretty rare and financially I can’t afford to quit (mortgage, insurance, I am the main income for the family). I have tried to “move sideways” into a similar position in an adjacent department with no success. I guess I just have to keep working on my mindfulness and deal with the situation for as long as I can.

Thanks for the words of support.

It sounds vicious to be caught up in a place of work you aren't enjoying, yet you know that you need the work to keep things afloat.

Do you keep your eye out on what's available out there? @Balkey

Whilst I have work, I tend to always keep my eye out on what's available on the market. I subscribe to the notifications so I get emails every night about what's available in the field I'm looking into.

I feel that this also shows me the direction the market is heading.