Emotion: anxiety
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I am having a hard time at work, my workload is too big and it's making me very stressed and anxious. I can't keep up with the amount of work I'm being asked to do.

assistant: Hi, how are you today?

user: Not doing so well today, I'm having a really hard time at work. I'm feeling super stressed about the workload I have, I just can't keep up with it all!

assistant: I’m sorry to hear that. Work can be a bad source of stress. Do you have anyone that can help with the workload?

user: Not really, there's only me in my role so don't really have anyone to help. I have tried talking to my line manager but she doesn't seem to understand just how busy I am.

assistant: Can the company hire any more people? Maybe they can work from home, and take some work off your plate. The line manager might also need some help with her workload. I understand that budgets can be tight. Maybe someone part-time?

user: From what I hear they aren't willing to hire anyone else, but I don't know the reasons why. I can only speak to my line manager and then she speaks to higher management.

assistant: Your manager sounds unsympathetic. That's very frustrating. A lot of people are in your situation in this pandemic: too much work, not enough help. Do you want to leave the company? Look for greener pastures?

user: I have been keeping an eye out for other jobs, but like you say things are difficult just now with the pandemic, there isn't a lot out there!

assistant: Very true. Have you talked to your co-workers about this issue? What do they think?

user: They are all feeling stretched as well so they understand. I am trying to not talk about it too much with them, I don't want to be seen as the person who's always complaining!

assistant: Yeah, that's a good point. A little complaining is ok, but a lot can get on people's nerves. They want to be sympathetic, but after a while, they just get tired of you.

user: Yeah, I don't want them all to stop talking to me cause they find me annoying! I'm trying to stay positive, but it's hard some days! As much as I try to start the day in a positive frame of mind it quickly gets sucked out of me!

assistant: What do you do outside of work? Hobbies and such.

user: At the moment I'm not getting outside as much as I should, I do enjoy gaming but it's hard to find time. I've been working 14 hour days all week! My boyfriend tries to tell me to switch off but it's hard when I know there's all this work waiting to be done.

assistant: You could try setting aside an evening or two a week for time with your BF. Just walk out of the office. Try to set some boundaries. That might seem dangerous and risky, but sometimes it's important to set boundaries. If you don't do that, then the managers can just keep taking advantage of you and your work ethic.

user: Yeah, he says the same kind of thing, that I need to be firmer and just leave when I'm due to. I guess the only way for them to truely see is for the work to just not get done as there's no time!

assistant: From what you're saying, it sounds like you think you have no power. Is that true? Are you really powerless in this situation? Do not underestimate your power over your life.

user: I guess I do feel powerless, I feel like they never really listen to what I'm saying, they just act as if they are but then ignore me.

assistant: It sounds like the managers are training you to be resigned to your fate. If they listen to you, it encourages you to complain. If they ignore you, you go away and leave them alone. However, if you leave work early (after 9 hours, say), then they might notice you. Are you willing to take a risk?

user: Maybe if I start acting more confidently they will start to listen. I feel like something needs to happen so maybe it's time to take a risk.