Feeling unheard at work
I was diagnosed in 2023 and throughout that process I maintained employment at my current part time job. I generally over deliver at work (clearly to my detriment) and I’m trying to advocate better for myself and my illness. However I think because people don’t see the fatigue after work days, or they don’t link my brain fog to cognitive fatigue I’ve found myself feeling like my illness isnt being taken seriously. There’s been no changes to my workload even after flagging it as an issue and I’m in a situation where leaving isn’t an option right now. Any advice?
I haaaaatte the power inbalance that, “I need this job” creates. It makes it so hard to stand up for yourself without fear of end up in a worse position than the one you started in. I would definitely bring it up again as an ongoing concern. Is there some kind of HR department that you could involve? A different person you could speak to in addition? As difficult as it is, if no one listens to you, you may need to start setting very strict boundaries on your own, if at all possible. Read all the details of your contract, and do strictly no more than it requires of you. If that means stopping work without finishing something because you’ve already done your paid hours, then so be it. Too many employers expect their employees to do more than what they’re actually paid for, which is bad enough when you’re healthy. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that your employer starts to take you seriously 🤞🏻