Bad day at work, for starters

[Maarten]

For the last two months I’ve been working from home and despite the weekends off I’ve had one scheduled break day.

Trying to maintain my work and schooling 3 kids at home I’m a wreak.
Then today I got a written warning from my boss about an error I’d caused. This had me in tears.

Can anyone please offer advice on how I can cope?

[Sophie_M]

Hi Maarten, 

Welcome to the forums, we're so glad you chose to join our friendly online community. We're so sorry to hear how overextended you've been between work and having the kids at home. We empathise with how difficult it is to juggle all of this. Please know that our community is here to support you and we will get through this time.

If you feel it might be useful, we'd encourage you to visit our Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. The website will be regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. This service includes counselling support which you might find helpful in overwhelming moments.

Many of our members are in similar situations and will be able to talk through these feelings with you. Hopefully a few will pop by with some wise words.
 

[Croix]

Dear Maarten~
I’ll join Sophie_M in welcoming you to the Forum and agree that there are many helpful items in the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.

Frankly with work-at-home plus 3 children to try to educate I’m surprised you have lasted as long as you have. Nobody is an inexhaustible well of strength and energy. You are trying to home-school 3 kids, that all by itself is a full-time task, and on top you have work.

To get a setback at work and be in tears is a [pretty fair sign you are far too overloaded.

I can say it will be not good for you, your kids or your job if you go on as you are. I would think any reasonable boss should realize that you are trying to do too much and cut down your workload - not go the other way and expect perfection.

Do you have any avenues to try to reduce your workload.? With the job is there a reasonably sympathetic HR system that you can explain matters to who can talk to your boss. If that is not the case how about considering some sick leave, see your GP and explain, and try for a reasonable amount of time off.

May I ask you if there is anyone there to help at least with the kids and housework?

Please come back and talk some more, at least here we understand your situation.

Croix