Ok, here are the basics … I work in IT, but not for an IT company. I’ve been with them since 2008. I like my coworkers and my team lead, but recently have had to work directly with my manager (the next guy above my lead).
I’ll spare you all the reading about my complaints and do my best to summarize. Earlier this year, We got a new CEO who thinks we need to cut IT staff, which has lead to a lot of stress as we lose people and don’t replace them. My manager doesn’t listen. My pay has not kept up with inflation these last two or three years. We are salary, and although not required, we have recently been expected to work longer hours (no additional pay for these hours).
I’ve been thinking about leaving since August. My team lead has been pretty consistent in helping convince me to not leave, but I’ve hit a point mentally where I can’t do this anymore. Last Thursday I couldn’t do anything other than sit at my desk and stare into space. I’ve been taking Fridays off for the last few weeks because I have vacation time I’ll lose at the end of the year if I don’t take it. I’m getting behind, but I can’t will myself to do it anymore.
I’m a single parent, with three kids (two are still in school). I have financial obligations and I don’t have much in savings. If I’m careful, I should be able to pay my bills and buy food for the rest of the year, maybe through January.
Tomorrow I have a meeting with my manager. I want to tell him I need to get off the project giving me the most stress, but I’m scared. I want to tell him I can’t work with him, but being confrontational is really hard.
Is there a right answer? Is there anything I should do, other than go back in time and do something differently?