I need to vent...

Apologies for posting this here, but I like the camaraderie on this site.  Long story, short I am fed up at work and am need of a vacation.

Lately at work I feel I am the one who has to do the majority of the work - my team consists of 5 people (Including my boss).  It appears anytime there is a new project, the main responsibilites are given to me. For the past 3 months there has not been a break in the action. It is irritating because certain members of my team are clearly not pulling their weight when they could be helping. I have one coworker who says on Friday's "Im outta here I put in my 40." Which is funny to say because we're salary!  This coworker acts as if she still is hourly, leaving precisely at 330 everyday, even when we are in the middle of something. I am starting to feel burned out because I can't see the finish line. Finish line for is a week off this summer. Which leads me to my next point.

I asked off for next week a month ago. Never got a firm acceptance or denial. I politely asked my boss a few weeks ago what is the status and she really didnt committ to anything, but sounded like she was leaning towards saying no. The problem with the week I asked for is when these projects will be functional. I had no idea knowing this when I asked off so I understand if thats the reason.  What bothers me the most is, that she is taking off this Friday and Monday! The very same monday I requested off for a month ago! She pretty much arranged these days off at the last minute which is also irritating.

Granted, I just got off of a 4 day weekend (My first real time off in over a year) and I realized how much i enjoy spending time with my family. At this point, I feel I never will get my week off this summer.  My colitis isnt helping matters with my lack of sleep either. Sorry for the disjointed rant.

Post Edited (turtlepower) : 7/9/2013 6:00:38 AM (GMT-6)

Seems to me that the others are taking advantage of and taking for granted your diligence and hard work on these projects. Certainly, you can try delegating some of the tasks and responsibilities needed to complete this project to others in the group. Split up things more fairly so you aren't overwhelmed, yourself. Some group members just need to be babysitted, to keep them working in groups like this, you have to keep spoon feeding them responsibilities and tasks or else they drift off or assume others are handling it all.

While it's admirable to be such a hard worker, you shouldn't always put your family second in your life. Perhaps, it would do you some good to leave promptly at 3:30 a couple days a week to spend more time with them. Regarding the time off, I am not sure it could be a touchy subject. If you are expected to get this task done then you probably have to, just make clear to your boss that you are sacrificing this time off, but once this project is done then you are taking time off and get it cleared and approved through the proper channels (someone else can tow the line for the next project).

A couple funnies:

• Dare to Slack: When birds fly in the right formation, they need only exert half the effort. Even in nature, teamwork results in collective laziness.
  http://monkeyclump.com/slack.jpg
  
• Distinction: Looking sharp is easy when you haven't done any work.
  http://www.despair.com/distinction.html
  
• Teamwork: A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of destruction.
  http://www.despair.com/teamwork.html
  

Do you have a good human resources manager? They should be able to listen to your issues and advise you without judging or making the problem worse.

Please look into FMLA law. If you are stressed out your Dr. could complete some paperwork for you to allow you to take some time off when needed without losing your job. Only employers with a certain number of employees are required to follow this law. You will have to see if it applies to your employer. The time off is without pay, but also should be without fear of losing your job.

If you qualify it is 12 weeks per year. It could be taken a day at a time when you need a "mental health" day. Hope this helps. Will be thinking of you and sending good wishes your way.

xx