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I need a break

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Posted 1/14/2020 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Apologies for the venting session, but I feel at home on this forum.

My past 6 months at work have been a whirlwind, here are some bullets:

-Implemented and lead a project that essentially wiped out my summer since 4th of july
-Total time away from home: 8 weeks
- Filled in for my boss who was out on leave for a month (While working remote)
-Worked on nonstop from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day (Some were 18 hr days)
- Had the day off after Christmas off, only be called for an emergency my team could and should have handled, so i technically wasn't off
- Rest of team has had multiple days and weeks off
- No real downtime since early november


In short, I am getting burned out and am tempted to use FMLA as a basis for taking a few days off next week. I feel guilty as I am not exactly going through a flare (But it could be looming bc of the above).

At least with FMLA, folks will not pester me.

I really need a mental break and i feel next week is the perfect time for it. Thoughts? Do some of you use your FMLA when the crazies of work just are too much to bear?
Posted 1/14/2020 1:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have used my FMLA when I am getting burnt out. Use it!! That's what you have it for.
Posted 1/14/2020 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have any vacation time available?

How about a change of career or employer? It’s better to change now when the job market is somewhat healthy and better than moving during a down cycle in the economy.
Posted 1/14/2020 2:58 PM (GMT 0)

ks1905 said...
Do you have any vacation time available?
How about a change of career or employer? It’s better to change now when the job market is somewhat healthy and better than moving during a down cycle in the economy.

Although my whining says otherwise, I actually do enjoy my job. Definitely need the mental break!
Posted 1/14/2020 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
If you've been working your butt off, I would talk with management that you need some mental health days. Seems like you've been doing a lot for the company, I'd hope they'd approve it easily. I'd go for using Comp-Time or Vacation if you must. smile
Posted 1/20/2020 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
turtle, agree it sounds like you need a break...find a way to take it. That said, a few days away are only a band-aid. Gotta find a better balance. I like to tell my colleagues to 'solve for the week not the weekend.' Weekends go by so quickly. The key is to balance work/life within the work week for long term mental health. A couple of suggestions that worked for a few:
- pre-announce that one day a week, say Tuesdays, you have a commitment with family/neighbor/uncle/vet/whatever, and need to be somewhere by 5:30 pm. Forces a break in patterns if you are a perpetual late worker.
- Take some time to respond to emails on the weekend. The saying goes 'we train people how to treat us.' If you are always back within 5 mins of a request, it'll be taken for granted that you'll always respond quickly. If super urgent, then sure get right on it...otherwise, let it ride for a day. In the long term you'll find people bug you less for trivial matters.

Good luck and stay well!
Posted 1/20/2020 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
I can totally relate. It should be easier for people to take needed breaks from work. I have spent a lot of time contemplating how to get a good month+ off. I really need it. I've been in the workforce for so many years continuously. I think the only way to get a good, long break is to have a baby.
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