Stressed at work but cant leave for 9 weeks

[GlitterMum]

Hi all,
I work at one of the big banks as a finance manager. I have only been here for 6 months but am really struggling with the job. I was fine to begin with but as my pregnancy is getting on, I am finding that it is sooooo stressful and it is making me feel sick. I cant remember anything and my customers problems are all just getting to me.
I start paid mat leave in 9 weeks but dont think I can take it anymore.
What can I do.
I dont have any sick leave left as I was sick with vertigo and had to have 5 days off.
I drive 1 hr to work everyday and feel so misrable.

Is there anything called stress leave??? Do you still get paid for it???
I cant afford to leave earlier or take leave without pay as I am the breadwinner.

Any suggestions would help. I wish I could just disappear in the workplace for the next 9 weeks.
I dont want to sound like a sook or that I cant handle it as I have had much senior position to this. I just dont know whats going on with me.

help please

[HotI]

Can your partner get some work so you could cut down your hours or finish earlier?

I don't think stress leave would apply, because the stress is due to things outside the workplace, not caused by something that happened at work IYKWIM.

take care,

kate

[GlitterMum]

Hey Kate, My DP works full time as well.
The stress at work is job related. The clients that I deal with are rude and demanding. The hours I have to put in (and dont get paid for 15+ per week) are horrible but I cant do my job without working extra.
Its a constant struggle to get deals over the line because of the area I work in. Its just crap, crap and more crap that I deal with everyday lol.

My DP has said that she ould get a night job but she works 40+ hors a week as it is.

[LionsandBears]

I don't think stress leave would apply, because the stress is due to things outside the workplace, not caused by something that happened at work IYKWIM.

Stress leave is usually for work-related stress. If the job is making you sick, the organisation needs to do something about it.

Can you talk to a manager and be re-assigned? Stress isn't good for you or your baby. Can you talk to a doctor - a doctor's certificate/letter may help back you up? If you're part of the big 4 - they usually spout family friendly work policies. Is HR any use in your company? The last thing a company like that wants is the PR fall out of a pregnant woman breaking down at work. Even if the doctor says you can only work X hours, it may help reduce the stresss. Many companies will take as much from their staff as they can - including 15 hour days - it's up to you to stop it now.

Politically - it's better for you to be reassigned now (based on your pregnancy/stress), than have you boss think you're failing at yor job - it may affect your return to work chances.

Remember rule #1 - always look after yourself first.

Good luck

[GlitterMum]

Thanks Tash, I am guarenteed my job when I return to work, Its standard with the banks. I also have the option of taking my role part-time when I return.
I would be happy to lower my work hours or maybe do less days but that will mean that my Mat leave will be reduced as well.
I need to just try not to stress if I dont hit my targets. my target have just been increased by 110% and the corss sales that we need to get are incredible. They have also changed the bonus struncture so its impossible to get your bonus.
I have been stting here thinking about what is stressing me out and its the 3 or so teleconferences a week that we have to log on too to explain why we havnt hit our targets, what we are going to do more of to get people in to buy houses.
the target are just way too high. I have to lend at least a million dollars a week to even get close. People are just not buying in this area. Also our lending criteria has changed and people just cant afford the deposits that are needed.

[Madissun]

No advice sorry hun, just

Hope it gets better for you soon.

[GlitterMum]

Thanks Madissun
You have made me feel that lil bit better