How do you continue working here while looking for new roles if you're overworked?

I'm so burnt out that it's not funny. I've kept trying to apply for PTO, but get told to "re-consider" due to business needs/certain projects.

The one time I did go on PTO for a few days, I came back to my deadline/work being messed up and having to work longer to catch-up/fix things.

My manager says one thing, then says another to someone else. I'm so godda-n tired and almost cry at the idea of opening up my laptop again. I know that I need to apply to more roles and have had friends from other companies try to help with referrals, but I'm so burnt out. I have no future at the company and am scared of getting laid off, but I also just can't even get out of work in the morning to go into the office and am sure that I'll be written up for not meeting the 3x day thing.

I've been sick this entire week, but they require more and more work and my health hasn't been getting better. I've been drinking too much caffeine and not having enough sleep; they say that they value a work-life balance, but I haven't seen it.

Worst thing is that I do work in IT. IDK, I think I'm being put as the fall person so another senior can move up. I've been against a lot of projects since I know that they're not going to work, but they continue to push through and then expect me to fix the project, even though it's literally never going to work. Everyone is panicking about keeping their job right now, so the stress is enormous. They're overpromising the moon to leadership, yet expect me to give up my credence by having me sign-off on truly horrible projects that I know don't work well.

My friends have said to document everything and just do it, but I'm so burnt out that I can't even do it anymore. I've been here 10+ years and would really need to study for these technical interviews, but I lack energy after work, too. All I do is work, and it's been driving me crazy.

How do you do it? I know that if I keep working this way, I'll get laid off and it'll be bad, so the better option is to start studying for interviews/send applications now. But I'm unable to do that - I'm working even on the weekends an/or procrastinating on the work I should have done during the week during the weekends.

This has never been me since this year. I've been taking anti-anxiety and anti-depressant pills and with each new stress, I have to up the dose. I know that working at this company is bad for my mental health and self-worth, but I find it hard to do... anything

Comment! It's anonymous!

11 replies (most recent on top)

It’s so bizarre that I’m contracting here and all of the interaction I’ve had is that everybody seems happy as a clam. I think it’s just a sign of how nice the FTEs are here.

I’ve had a job where my well being was destroyed by a company…. No job is worth that.

TBH, I bombed interviews for 2 months after I finally quit. Finally, I got on with a company which was a huge upgrade, but also a huge downgrade from now I am now (9+ years later).

If you’re able to take FMLA, you’re my freaking hero. This sounds like great advice!!

We're rooting for you. One idea is take time off, rest, and apply.

If you're in IT and the cashflow is tight, and you want out quick, then I'd consider contractor jobs to cast a bigger net e.g. dice.com has a lot. I did this before to 'recharge' and it worked out.

Getting help with the resume doesn't cost too much e.g if you're out of energy on weekends. A resume experts may have tips where to apply too.

Save up if you're planning to quit. To be safe, at least 6 months buffer. A personal loan is an option too. I did it once, it su-ked but it worked out.

Sorry for the situation... Keep your spirits up and wish you the best..

You can put it to where only recruiters see open to work on LinkedIn. I’ve known many people myself included who have done it.

Agreed do not put the open to work on linked in if you have a bad manager. Mine has openly said they actively check that regularly

Not sure putting up the "looking for work" flag on LinkedIn is a good idea, but the rest seems like solid advice. Just be careful, since you don't want that knowledge in the wrong hands.

I left when I realized I was working ridiculous OT on a deadened job. They would fire me once they got the chance, and were just using me to finish up compliance work that will not position me for my next job in my career.

If you cannot get the medical leave, I would pay off credit cards and then get outta' there ASAP. I would also look into alternate forms of income, such as family all working (those who can, I mean), any aid you are entitled to, etc.

I finally realized that by cutting back on my lifestyle, paying off my debts (I did not have much debt), and asking my son for a little extra from his pay, that I could dump that he-l hole.

I am now in a better job for me, doing better work with a bump in salary. It took some time to find the right fit, but at least I was focused on the right activities. It also took me some time to unwind from the stress I was under over there.

I took a good look at my options, and finally pulled the plug on that terrible company.

Brush up your LinkedIn profile and put open to work and create alerts in LinkedIn that match the job you are looking for. Put in applications directly for those positions on the company website not on LinkedIn. Slow and steady wins the day and good luck.

I swear I could have written this myself. I’m currently in the process of trying to get leave approved because I am nearing a complete mental break down. You sound like you would benefit from it too. You request it through Lincoln financial / talking with your doctor.

Your health is your wealth. Get out of there as soon as you can.

My advice and I wish I did it when I was there ....go on FMLA and look for a new job. USAA makes their employees think this is the best they will ever have and it's not true!

I was stuck in the same cycle. Fortunately I was able to quit. There was no way I could interview well with all the stress. Go on Fmla. Get your dr to write it up. If they are having to continually increase your meds it’s not getting better.

Thread regarding USAA layoffs

How do you continue working here while looking for new roles if you're overworked?

11 replies (most recent on top)

Post a reply