Frustrated about being unappreciated

[catsrock]

Hi All - First post here. I started a new job in September and it's been stressful. I'm 59 and it's a lot to learn - very steep learning curve - and we are understaffed. I have been helping out in jobs where we are understaffed - sometimes asked to do it, but sometimes I volunteer - yet I don't get a thank you or anything from most people who I'm helping out by doing this. My main supervisor says thank you usually, but my boss above her says nothing! It's also physical work so tiring, and I have to get there early to do it. Is it too much to ask for a thank you? I'm helping this morning and woke up at like 4:30 stressed about it and couldn't get back to sleep because this other job I help with is not my regular job so I'm nervous about how to do it sometimes - it changes all the time, long story, but I work in animal rescue and it involves feeding and giving meds to cats. Anyone, just needed to vent and hope I don't cry or something at work today because I'm really tired.

[Hidden]

I very much empathize with the feelings you are having. It is so hard to pour your heart and soul into your work and feel like there is no appreciation. As an animal and cat lover, I admire the work that you do. Some people might suggest to turn your view from external to internal. Ie, try to look within yourself. You are making a tremendous difference in the lives of these animals and the humans whose lives they touch. You are worthy of feeling accomplished and good about yourself for the work that you do and so many other reasons. Sending you lots of love - there will be better days ❤️

[catsrock in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[JasmineJaz]

Hi catsrock, so sorry to hear about your situation, it must be very difficult dealing with extra work and not getting enough validation... It is part of manager's job to motivate people, especially when it's understaffed and every employee is a great help. You are already doing more than you should, and that's really nice and thoughtful that you helped when you could.

Please don't work yourself out... your time and energy is very valuable, and it's not worth it to spend on people that doesn't give it enough recognition. If I were you, I'd probably focus on finishing my part of work and study, and leave more time out of work to care for myself, find some joy in life. People say to parents that you have to take care of yourself before caring for your kids, and that's talking about family members. It's more so with work.

There must be a lot more complication in real life than you mentioned, but I think if the company or organization is understaffed, it is the managerial level's problem to either hire more people, or provide more compensation to current employees for more hours and effort. It shouldn't be your burden to bear.

[catsrock in reply to JasmineJaz]

So true! We may finally be fully staffed next week, but the new people won't be trained for awhile so it's a grind for some time still.

[JasmineJaz in reply to catsrock]

That's nice! Hope good people would join, fingers crossed 🙏

[designguy]

Hello and welcome to the group here, sounds like you have taken on a lot of good worthwhile stuff in a difficult situation. I also know from a similar experience that being older makes us be able to learn new things but at a slower pace than we use to plus I have less stamina than I had when I was younger. You may well be in an environment that you are not likely to get much praise or validation for what ever reason and need to learn to validate yourself more and be ok with it and know that you are doing the best you can and that is good enough. There is a lot of good information on youtube as well as books and programs for learning how to validate yourself and improve your self-worth/self-esteem. It will also help you in being able to better deal with your stress.