****.
 

Stressed.

We're so broke right now, and I'm actually pretty scared for us.

My husband hasn't been in work since july, and I just do not earn enough for the both of us. He's trying, probably not as hard as he could do but he is applying for jobs and even trying avenues he's never tried.
After our rent, council tax and electricity (not counting the quarterly gas bill I am totally dreading) we live on about 300 a month. Food, my travel to work and our three cats. My wage isn't enough to support us all and it's killing me.

My job is good. By that I mean that I enjoy the people I work with and the atmosphere. It's dull and seriously under-paid, but I do like it. I just don't think I can cope with the levels of stress that it brings. I'm running the office, without the title or pay-scale of an office manager; (basically we run a maintenance contract for an office building of 19 floors and 2,000+ people in the centre of London), I'm the contract managers PA (I even have to remind him to eat!). I look after 11 engineers, I order stock, I keep the diary, I deal with every salary and engineer query in and out of the office. Run-sheets (time sheets basically), job logging, emails, paperwork, filing, payment applications, data entry, payment queries. I could go on but I don't have the energy.

I do this for 15,000 pa.
I'm dying. I'm crying some nights. I'm always exhausted and it barely covers what it costs us to live. I have directors, credit control and office managers on my back everyday. As well as my 11 engineers, contract manager and now temp staff working under me.

(How whiney was that, lol. Sorry)

Iz x

I agree, there should be a less stressful job out there that pays more than that especially in London. But I do know how hard it is to find jobs these days. We live on about 350 a month after bills and we have a baby, I am an expert on money saving but it still doesn't really cover us.

You need to makes sure you get enough sleep because when you're so exhausted it can be hard to see which parts of a situation are worth your worry and what is just running you down.

I hope you work something out to make things easier, I haven't really got any advise other than to say I know how you feel

HOney I would be talking to your line manager (not sure who it is for you) and if that doesn't make any difference, go to your union. If you're not being paid enough (and it certainly sounds like you aren't) it needs to be addressed. *cuddles* And keep pushing deds to get work. I know how tough it is izzieness, I hope it picks up soon for you!

You dont come across as whiney, you come across as someone who is under valued at work.

I would try and ask for a pay rise, if you cant manage to do it to their < your bosses > face then write them a letter about all that you do, do. Explain that bills have gone up and your wages havent.

Meanwhile keep an eye out in newspaper for another job with more money and less stress.

Jade xxx

It doesn't sound whiney to me - it sounds stressful and that you're doing an amazing job of keeping things together practically and emotionally.

I agree about asking for a pay rise! Also, have you looked into whether you qualify for any tax credits, housing benefit, help with prescription costs etc? Is your husband claiming what he can for being unemployed? Perhaps Citizens Advice Bureau might be able to go through what you're entitled to so you can see if you're getting all the help you can?

Thanks so much for the replies, they're much appreciated.

I had a godawful day today, but I think it's becoming habit to go to work depressed! Almost psychosematic (sp?) ?

I think you're right about the payrise, I flipping deserve it.
But I must have left out the best part!
I applied for the job internally, I have worked for this facilities group for just over a year. The advert that I applied for was 17,000pa. I didnt receive this and my Directors excuse was that if I had "applied" then, and I quote, I wouldnt have got the job. Nevermind the fact I had been working for her stupid company for a year already when I was moved here, but apparently I wouldn't have had the correct amount of experience nor qualifications.
So why the FFFFF was I given the position?!
When I started, she kept me on a pathetic 13,800. When I was at the last post (contract ended which is why I moved in the first place), 13,800 was fine. He was working and I only lived a 20min walk away.
I fought to get her up to 15,000! There is no chance in hell that I will get a pay-rise yet. I haven't even had my 3month review, I've been there since October.

I think I either have to suck it up and plough through in order to prove myself. I quote again, she thinks I'm not strong enough for the job. Or I have to look elsewhere. I just cannot possibly afford to be out of work now. He isn't claiming any benefits, purely because he really doesn't want to be in the same trap I was in last year. It's a nasty place to be and I'd rather battle through for another month, see what might come up for him?

Do I sound stupid?
Am I being melodramatic?
Cuddle me? Lol.

Iz x

Your boss sounds such a hypocrite because she doesnt think your strong enough for the job even thou you are doing it.

I really hope your husband finds another job soon. I wish him all the luck in the world.

Sending you huge hugs because you said you needed them hehehehehe

Love Jade xxx

*cuddles* your boss sounds like a douche. There is always someone higher up! Go to them! Keep a record of what you do for a week/fortnight/month and take it to the person above your boss. And say, this is what im' doing, this is what i'm getting paid. my job description says I should be getting paid this ya ya ya.

*cuddles*

sending you lots of hugs... plus a heatwave, as we've got some to spare, and it might save on the heating bills!

Thinking of you and sending hugs your way
I hope things improve for you both soon xx