Emotion: anxiety
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I work and work and work but I can't seem to get ahead. The volume at work has gotten so bad that I can't keep up. I'm getting injured and no one cares. I can barely pay my bills and it feels like there is no end in sight.

user: Hello

assistant: Hi. How are you today?

user: I'm ok, feeling so overwhelmed

assistant: it's really a terrible time. you are definitely not alone in feeling that way. Is there something specific going on?

user: lately there has been a project at work in which extra help is required. the volume of things i have to take care of has increased, and my manager doesn't seem to care

assistant: Is there a way you can write down in an email why the extra work is required and what specifically needs to get done in order to make this project successful for both you and your manager?

user: i have sent her a spreadsheet showing how the project has increased my workload, but she brushes it off. it sucks that i'm working so hard and yet my paycheck does not support my basic needs.

assistant: I have had managers like that. It's so frustrating. Is there a way you can have an in-person meeting and show her how extra help will make HER look good? Otherwise what I've done in the past is go over my immediate manager's head - or called a meeting with 3 of us. I have had managers like that. It's so frustrating. Is there a way you can have an in-person meeting and show her how extra help will make HER look good? Otherwise what I've done in the past is go over my immediate manager's head - or called a meeting with 3 of us.

user: that is a very good idea maybe it is time to include her manager

assistant: I feel for you because I've been there and I completely understand how you feel. And yes including HER and her manager won't make her feel as though you're going behind her back.

user: the other thing that has become an issue is her ridiculing me in front of others there have been a number of incidents in which she has singled me out, and it has left me feeling disrespected

assistant: ridiculing you how? that's never ok you have every right to feel upset about that.

user: i have reached out to HR regarding these incidents but they seem to be uninterested i no longer want to come to work but i don't have a choice

assistant: I wonder why HR isn't interested. Have you put it in writing? No one likes a paper trail that isn't acknowledged.

user: i was vague with my initial contact to HR

assistant: that has to be a horrible feeling to be in such a hostile work environment. do you have coworkers who would be willing to back you up? there's definitely power in numbers!

user: maybe, i'm not sure. it feels like everyone is afraid of my manager but yet no one will speak up

assistant: if it's really that bad is there a way to get a transfer?

user: i have considered it, but due to the pandemic, everything is on freeze

assistant: yes and that just makes things so much worse.

user: i'm withdrawing from the work and that's bad. i still care about the work, but the toxic environment is messing with me mentally

assistant: maybe seek out someone more senior in a different department who can help

user: that's a good idea!

assistant: When I had a toxic manager I went in and did my work and kept to myself as much as possible. But it does help to have allies throughout the company too!

user: it might be worthwhile to try that approach thank you for that advice!

assistant: you're very welcome. I definitely understand what you're dealing with!

user: i appreciate you sharing thoughts on my situation. take care!