Work worries

[JJ89]

My previous employer didn’t get the contract to continue this year. I work with you Aboriginal people in a high school. Love what I do. There is a new organisation taking over the contract. I have been offered to work with them. But as lower duties than I was previously on as wanted by the principal. I feel extremely hurt that she doesn’t want me back as my previous role. She is very toxic and wants things her way or no way. I hate interacting with her. She has yelled and screamed at me for doing what my employee asked me to do but she didn’t agree with it. She even yelled at my bosses boss during this time. I had never been spoken to like that in the workplace. I was in such shock when it was happening I just froze. She hasn’t reached out since then over a week ago. The mew role will be a fair chunk less than what I was on. I will be the only one in this team (3) as no one as wanted to stay. So I know I’ll be doing my old role jobs while I’m the only one there but on a lower pay. And I don’t know how the principal will be. I’m not sure if she’s trying to push me out or what. I’m not sleeping. I’ve got anxiety and am starting to isolate myself away from the world because I am so lost with what to do. Do I go to job with decent pay but can’t grow in with a horrible enforcer . Or do I move on and try new things. Looking at going back to tafe to finish a cert I started years ago. Only 3 units left and work in a causal job. I’m just so worried about bills. And not being able to live securely if I don’t have that higher income. I haven’t stopped crying because I don’t know where to start.
Please help with some advice or things I may not have thought of

[Helarctus]

Hello JJ89,

Working contract can suck sometimes, especially when the work ends through no fault of your own. The lack of control over the situation can be very frightening. Hopefully someone with your employer has information on other contracts you may be able to move over to.

Short term, this is an opportunity to look for something better, it sounds like the relationship with the principle isn't overly healthy which means although the money might have been good the overall situation puts you in the negative.

If you have the funds, take a few days off and chill, work your numbers to figure out where you actually stand. Its not a great situation, but it isn't the end of the world. Not knowing is the worst multiplier of stress.

Getting your study finished is a good goal, factor that in to your financial plan. If the math bears out that you can get by on the lower pay it means you can stay in the job while looking for other work and setting up your study. pick a realistic timeframe to get your resume in order, start searching for that next step up.

If things are looking like they are going to be tighter, depending on how much, then check with your local council, they may have services or information on services like food banks etc. that you can use as a stop gap while you pick through the necessities and your bills to get on top of things to move on to a new career.

We are here, check back and we will chat some more as things develop.

Regards,

Helarctus.

[Emmen]

Dear JJ89,

Your workplace sounds terrible. Yet it's difficult for you to just leave because of your financial concerns.

One of your suggestions was to finish your tafe course and work in casual jobs. I wonder if this is a viable option for you. Doing that may give you the qualifications to take up a better role with a higher income. One thing I'm sure of is that staying in this role isn't the best for your mental health, and you should be looking to get out of that role. The principal does not sound respectful or reasonable, and honestly, you shouldn't feel hurt by her not wanting you back in your previous role. Don't give any weight to what she says or does. Focus instead on your efforts to leave that workplace (which I hope will give you something positive to look forward to).

Feel free to reach out to us if you need more support or just need to talk.

Kindly,
M