Sara’s story: I was hospitalised due to work-related stress
Hear from Sara*, a Community Learning Coordinator working with some of the most disadvantaged people in her community. While her role is rewarding, it comes at a cost.
Your stories / 3 min read
One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is working with learners who are coming back into education, many for the first time in years. At first, learners can be reluctant and wary. But over time, you see them flourish. You see their confidence grow and it feels good to know you've made a difference.
But the pressures of my role are relentless. I often have far too much to do with not enough time to do it. Enrolling learners, managing absences, planning, there’s no letting up. New courses start constantly. I can work five days a week, including evenings, then start again the next morning without a proper break. You hit a point where the stress builds up and you feel agitated, and that’s not who you are. It’s the toll of working under intense pressure.
Stress is a daily occurrence. Even when you feel like you're finally on top of things, something unexpected hits you - sometimes two or three times a day. Learners have high expectations, and you’re expected to always look like you’re coping. I know I can’t do everything, but I worry it will reflect badly on me if I don’t.
The pressures of my role are relentless. I often have far too much to do with not enough time to do it.
A big part of the problem has been isolation. For years, I worked alone, essentially doing the job of two people. Support from leadership varied over the years. I was hospitalised more than once, and doctors told me it was down to prolonged work-related stress and living in a constant state of adrenaline. Only after that did changes happen at work. Right now, I have a supportive manager, and it makes a huge difference.
Some departments are supportive of support staff, others not so much. That culture can trickle down and affects learners. If I could ask for one key change, it would be to treat support staff as equals, not second-class citizens. We receive less pay, less annual leave, and fewer professional development opportunities. But the work we do is crucial to the success of the education system.
*name changed to protect identity
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