Tuesday 3 December 2013

How committed are you?

Today I got told that I had a lack of commitment towards being a head of department because I said no to going away for a second unpaid working weekend away this academic year. I have already committed to one.

This led towards me being in a bad mood all day and just wondering how much more committed I could possibly be?

I have literally given up parts of my life and things that I enjoy because of my job. I used to go to the gym. Now I work so many extra hours and am too shattered to even consider it. I speak to my parents and siblings a lot less than I'd like to because I am normally too busy or if not, too tired to ring. Or I'm stressed about work so don't want to ring because I know they'll be able to tell I'm down. I don't get to spend quality time with my boyfriend most evenings on a work night as I'm working. I can't cook a decent dinner because I'm worried it will take too long. I have broken nights sleep because I'm stressed about work. It never ends.

I understand as head of department I have a lot of responsibility, I get paid more and I need to have a high level of commitment. However, where is the line?