Anonymous discussion · Overwhelmed
I was folding my child’s school uniform when the ward group message came
I was folding my child’s school uniform when the ward group message came. Two additional night shifts next week. Again. One sock is still on the chair because I kept rereading the line that people who are not flexible may get fewer preferred shifts. This has been happening for around three months. Last month I asked privately if we could get at least one week notice. I was told everyone is under pressure, so I agreed. The new staff member is still mostly getting day shifts during training, somehow. I know healthcare work needs flexibility. I am grateful for this job. It pays the rent, school costs, transport, and I send some money to my mother in Warangal. But the extra two nights mean my child will be with a neighbour until school starts. Already asking, “Will you come before breakfast?” and I answer while checking the roster. If I say no, maybe my hours become uncertain. If I say yes, I may be too tired at work and too impatient at home. Colleagues say it is normal and teamwork. They have partners or family for overnight childcare, but apparently that is not relevant. I don’t want to explain my separation or finances in the ward. My family will say tolerate it, don’t risk the income. Friends think I am the capable one. I am tired of being capable quietly, but I also want the supervisor to notice how much I am already carrying without me asking for appreciation, which is not very practical. Part of me wants to take a lower-paid clinic job just for predictable evenings. I opened a job app and closed it. Now there is another message asking who can confirm by morning. Should I clearly refuse, negotiate only one shift, or agree once more and start applying elsewhere?