Stressed out at work

gem898

Hi All,

I'm in a particularily difficult situation at the moment.
I work in a European country for an irish company as part of a graduate programme. My main responsibilities are to start up this European branch from scratch, build brand awareness and sell, all in 12 months. I am the only representative from the irish company in this european country and while I get some support from the irish branch, its mostly telling me what to do rather than support or helping me do it.

A few months into my placement, I had to return home as my mother fell really ill. She is now on the road to recovery, thank god but it is a very long road. I have been back on placement for the last few months and I have hated every moment of it. I just want to be closer to home, so that I can help out when I can with caring for mum.

I would just up and leave but this graduate programme is an amazing opportunity. I live in a great country, earn a really good salary, and the experience would be great on a CV after. I just don't know if I can hold out for the next 7 months to complete it. And I'd also feel guilty as I would be seriously setting back my companys chances in this european country.

But with being the only one here, 24 years old with no experience in setting up a company from scratch, the stress is seriously getting to me. I want to work in the advertising side of marketing, not the sales side and I'm a naturally timid person so sales arent my strong point. I feel like a fish that has been left completely out of the water and I don't know what to do.

Do I stay, hate it and get the experience under my belt, or do I go home and be happy and find something else along the lines of what I'm looking to do?

edellc

Wow OP I really feel for you, this is such a big oppertunity and yes it very very scary and I can only imagine the way you are feeling especially with your mam.

I would love to say to you pack it all in, return home to a bit of a stagnet job market, sign on the dole, which in turn means no money to go out or socialise, you may not even be entitled to the dole and it could be months before you actually get a job, but hey its a chance you take and well you can help out at home so go for it.....however oppertunities like yours dont come along every day and dont come along for everyone.

In the scheme of life 7mths is a blink of the eyes, although at the moment it doesnt feel like that but it will pass in no time. As for doing sales which is not your chosen field, I emphatise with you I am not a sales person either and the thought of it makes me sick, but life is about challenging your self and sometimes putting yourself in situations that test you but make you stronger in the process and give you life lessons that you may also not appreciate now but in time you will.

I also think your mother would obviously be thrilled to have you home however she would also be gutted, as we as mothers have one job and that is to get our babies prepared for the big bad world and nothing and I mean nothing makes up happier than to see our children succeed and I bet she is beaming with pride over you.

How is your social life with work, do you have anyone to chat to. This is very important as work is work its the hours outside that can stand still sometimes, also holidays are important are you due any at christmas...or do you have money saved up to make a splash and dash return visit home for a weekend maybe making it a long one...its all these little things you can do.

I really do think you should keep with it as 7mths is nothing and it will stand for you and once its done its done and you know you will not be doing anything like this again even if offered, you can say no.

Seriously consider all your options before you make a decision and please speak to your family about this also

gem898

Thanks for your reply edellc.

I know that its an opportunity I can't give up on easily.

Socially things are difficult as I'm in a country where they speak a different language so settling into a steady social scene and making new friends is particularily difficult. My language skills are high but its nerves and shyness that get the better of me. I know its good to get out of your comfort zone but I'm so far out of my comfort zone at the moment!

Seven months isnt long in the big scheme of things but if it only went faster, I'd be happier. I have been home this month and I think thats kinda hit me a bit harder. I also have enough holiday days for me to be home for about 3 weeks at christmas. I just hope my boss will let me take them all at once.

It's just hard dealing with things at home when I'm under so much pressure at work. Its completely my responsibility whether my office is a success or not and I'm not sure its something I'm ready for 2 years out of college without any specific training or support.

delthedriver

Would it help if your Mum could relocate temporarily and stay with you. At least it would help resolve your personal issues . The change of scenery may also be very good for your Mum. You will also have someone to chat with in the evenings. When your Mum feels stronger perhaps you can enjoy together some of the culinary delights and cultural offerings in your temporary home
Having resolved the private issues this would enable you concentrate on the job in hand. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity , which will look great on your CV. Seize the day!
7 months is s short period
Best wishes

gem898

Hi Del the driver,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my mum had a stroke at the beginning of the summer and is still undergoing intensive rehabilitation and speech therapy so relocation is impossible. I do speak to my mum every evening, although I do all of the speaking. Therefore although I understand where you are coming from, in my situation it just isn't possible.

delthedriver

gem898 wrote: »

Hi Del the driver,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately my mum had a stroke at the beginning of the summer and is still undergoing intensive rehabilitation and speech therapy so relocation is impossible. I do speak to my mum every evening, although I do all of the speaking. Therefore although I understand where you are coming from, in my situation it just isn't possible.

Hi Gem,
Sorry to hear that your Mum is immobile at present. I believe you are doing all you can for her in the circumstances. You are obviously both very close. However I am sure your Mum is very proud of your achievements and would wish for you to continue your work assignment and develop your career. As you are in daily contact I believe there is little more you can do at this stage, but see out your assignment , when Mum is feeling better perhaps you cn spend some more time together.
Best wishes to you both