Ask Ash

Dear Ash,

I am feeling exhausted at the moment. Our department has lost some people due to recent redundancies, but those of us remaining are expected to do double the work. We are made to feel that we are lucky to be in employment and no one seems to want to complain to the head of department in the circumstances. However, having to work long hours and in particular over weekends is making me question whether I want to be in the role for much longer. I miss socialising with friends and family and am feeling down, but cannot afford to be unemployed. What can I do?

Ash replies:

The current economic climate has certainly swung the pendulum in favour of employers and more firms are reducing numbers in order to make efficiencies. Consequently, the pressure on remaining staff will inevitably increase at least in the short term. You are therefore not alone in your dilemma. I can appreciate that you may not be able to afford to be unemployed at the moment, but it is important for you to highlight your concerns to your employer.

I suggest that you ask for a meeting with your line manager, and highlight all the good work you have done recently. But explain that you would like to take a short break in order to recharge your batteries and avoid burnout. Any sensible manager will realise that all employees, no matter how efficient, will have limitations, especially in such intense situations, and that, unless these are addressed, staff will inevitably reach breaking point.

If it is not realistic for you to take a few weeks off at the moment, then at least advise your manager that you intend to take a long weekend in order to feel refreshed.

You can also take steps yourself in order to minimise the stress levels in the meantime by e.g. taking regular breaks during work time, including going out of the office for a walk at lunchtimes; ensuring you are eating properly; and perhaps taking work home, as changing your surroundings may help you to feel more relaxed. Also, try speaking with other colleagues in order to seek ways of helping each other, e.g. by seeing if certain tasks can be delegated in order to share the workload more fairly.

If taking such steps still does not ease your stress and level of exhaustion and you remain unhappy, then I suggest you do look at alternative employment options. However, the jobs market is not rosy at present and it may be advisable to weather out the storm in your current role for a little while longer before taking this step. In no way should you compromise your health – no job is worth that – but you should try to persevere at least for a short time, and seek to assess whether this busy period is just a temporary blip.

”Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and trainees, which can be put to her via the editor: peter@connectcommunications.co.uk, or mail to Studio 2001, Mile End, Paisley PA1 1JS. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Registrar’s Department. For one-to-one advice contact Katie Meanley, Manager in the Registrar’s Department on 0131 476 8105/8200, or katiemeanley@lawscot.org.uk