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Anonymous

02/25/20 at 4:53PM UTC

Career

Working remotely while feeling guilty & valueless

Hello, I'm brand new to this website but have been searching for some help or guidance. I'm starting to think that how I feel is starting to impact my mental health and need to do something about it. Here's my story, there's a few factors involved. First, I work for a union with a very good salary. I am the first fulltime person ever hired to create admin organization, do marketing, get the members involved in the community, get the union involved politically, while supporting all of the business agents & representatives. Sounds like I should be very busy, right? Well, I'm not. I don't dislike my job but I am feeling like the salary I make is too much for the amount of work I do. I know this probably sounds terrible and like I am just a brat but in my mind, I should working my butt off with this salary. Yes, there is much to be done and yes I'm practically on call at all times to quickly write a letter or give a grievance number but I just can't justify being paid via members' dues and not being busier. Yes, I have two masters degrees so maybe I don't know my worth but I feel unethical constantly looking for a new project for me to concentrate on. This is messing with my head. There is a potential that we will be organizing workers in our area which I'm told will add a lot to my workload and keep me busy but we're not there yet. Second, I either work from home (alone) or at our little office most of the time alone. Apparently, I'm too much of a social person for this. I miss having coworkers. I feel isolated and that mixed with feeling like my position is valueless isn't going well. Lastly, speaking of those masters degrees. My ultimate career goal is to working in public policy or something government related. I went to undergrad in DC and crave that career path. Though moving to DC isn't an option I intended this current position to be my stepping stone. I intend on getting the union involved in local politics while growing my network. I'm not saying this won't happen but right now my "main" project is working with a printer to get an apparel website up and running for members to buy sweatshirts and hats. Again, this might sound bad but I sometimes think to myself, "I studied political philosophy to be organizing t-shirt sales? ". I feel like I put so much effort into building the foundation for a strong, meaningful career and right now I'm just feeling lonely and valueless. I know the guys I work with appreciate all I do especially because this support position didn't exist before but it's just not enough for me. Thanks for reading and I hope I don't sound like a brat.

Join the conversation...

Louise Savarese McGinty

03/04/20 at 7:13PM UTC

Ok, I'm going to post not anonymously this time... That you all so much for your encouraging words and advice! I really appreciate it so much and am so happy I found this community! This was a big scary career change for me last year but I know it was the right stepping stone for my career. I'm going to keep all of these great ideas & comments in my back pocket for those days I need it most! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Alisa Goldschmidt

104

Enthusiastic Sales Ops and Marketing Pro

03/04/20 at 5:02AM UTC (Edited)

I agree with all the above comments about the value you bring to the organization. And I also know what it's like to be in a job where you don't have enough to do or it's a lot of busy work and you stop using you brain altogether. I'm often in that situation currently and It is demoralizing for sure. I have also worked in remote roles and I too need to be around people at least 2-3 days a week. My solution was going to a co-working space where I met other remote workers and had a bit of community. Since it sounds like your office is in your town they might not be open to paying for that but maybe it would be something you could do for yourself? Depending on the co-working venue, they have different levels of membership so you could just have a drop in status or have your own dedicated desk, etc. It's worth checking out!

BETH HEDERMAN

111

Marketing/Media professional / Yoga Teacher

03/03/20 at 6:27PM UTC

I think you need to give yourself more credit. You were hired for the job for a reason, your experience, degrees, etc. so you have earned the salary. And being on call is worth your time even if you aren't necessarily "doing something". ...don't sell yourself of the work short. Now, with regards to messing with your head: - I would recommend you work in other locations from time to time, maybe a restaurant or a coffee shop to at least interact with other people - Perhaps take your lunch break to run errands or take a fitness class, again so you aren't alone - In terms of work load, there will be a time where you will be called on to do more so I would enjoy the pace now and perhaps look for ways to expand/improve the company in the future - Get out in the community - maybe volunteer somewhere. This could benefit you and the company! Good luck!

IzzyUX

02/26/20 at 2:24PM UTC

I recently attended a training about engaging remote workers. The feelings you expressed seem usual. Some of the recommendations included: - always using video enabled services for chats and meetings. - setting up very frequent check-ins with colleagues and/or supervisor. For your situation, I advise connecting with your supervisor and asking for stretch assignments. If they don’t have any, asking for suggestions on who else I’m the organization you could connect with to look for stretch assignments. If your supervisor is supportive during such discussions, then dig in! If they are not, then it seems like they are not investing in your growth and you should continue to look for other ways to achieve your personal career goals. Good luck! You’ve got this!

Anonymous

02/26/20 at 1:31PM UTC

One suggestion about if you want to get into working in public policy, find a local candidate running for office and volunteer sometime on their campaign. Gives you the opportunity to become a potential policy influencer as well as gives you the opportunity to network and interact with people. Campaign work can be a great stepping stone into the government space and you will meet some great people along the way.

Dustspot

Organizational Dev. and Talent Mgt. consultant.

02/26/20 at 11:34AM UTC

I work from home to and I get really really depressed. I'm so sick of this. I feel like the biggest loser.

Anonymous

02/26/20 at 5:08PM UTC

I'm sorry you're struggling too. I hope some of the advice people left can also help you!

Anonymous

02/25/20 at 8:04PM UTC

This Stay-at-Home-Mom would most certainly take your pay if you don't want it! Oh and your job position would be greatly appreciated as well. No, but seriously, like someone above suggested, if this is a remote position, go out in the public and work.

Anonymous

02/25/20 at 8:23PM UTC

Ha, with these student loans, I definitely can't say I don't want it! I do really need to step back and appreciate this position. I'm building the behind the scenes foundation for this Union to run at its best. We represent employees of one of the largest electric companies in the country so many depend on our members without even knowing it. Thank you!!

Anne Knox

322

CMP

02/25/20 at 6:47PM UTC

First, I want to say, you worked really hard to get where you are. It sounds like you have a bit of imposter syndrome. It is very common when your job is isolated. Second, some suggestions that may work for you. Could you join coworking space to be with others in the same situation as you? Also another suggestion is to meet up with other people in your position with other unions. Is the an association for employees of unions? They could let you know if you are on track with what you are doing and give you tips about things that might not have occurred to you. You might also network your way into a DC job. Or maybe grab coffee or jump on a call with someone who does the same thing. We all need mentors.

Anonymous

02/25/20 at 8:24PM UTC

Wow, I looked up imposter syndrome. That is 100% me. Thank you so much for your feedback and ideas. It's very helpful and means a lot.

Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675

757

I am an expert in all things visual.

03/04/20 at 6:54PM UTC

Glad you are making progress. I wish you the best!

StaceySimmons

Writer, psychotherapist, frmr entertainment exec

02/25/20 at 6:46PM UTC

WOW- sounds like a struggle to be sure! I would reference some of the others who have posted here- you are at least in part being paid for your investment in your education. Don't discount that. Also, ask yourself if you equate busy=worthy. This is very common in the United States, unlike many other places. We place our own personal self-worth in the context of demands on our time, this is dangerous, as you are experiencing! I would bet that another reason you were hired is because you are a self-starter. Start thinking of pre-production for what's ahead. What will you NEED to do to get organized. Also, be in communication with people in your community. Take a survey of your members, do some field research, do things to keep in communication with them so that you're not scrambling. You've got this- just breathe through this part!