The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I have a boss (who I shall call "G") who scares the crap out of me. He's critical of everything, never gives praise, and often doesn't acknowledge that you've said something, leaving you wondering if he's distracted and you should bring it up again later or if he already knows, has decided to ignore you, and would just be annoyed if you brought it up again.
I also have a shift schedule that is having a negative impact on my health. I used to be a good sleeper -- fell asleep easily, stayed asleep all night (or day if working nights). But now my sleep schedule is getting constantly yanked around the clock, and I find I am groggy, getting worse headaches, and often unable to sleep without taking sleeping pills.
Most of my night-shift co-workers have better schedules, where they stay on nights all the time instead of yo-yo-ing around the clock like my schedule does. This is my fault, because I volunteered to take the crazy shifts. But I can't handle them any more, and I need to ask scary-boss G to let me change to a more reasonable schedule.
Doing so is not good for the company, as it will leave them short-handed during one of the day shifts I used to swing around to cover, and it will make me less available for overtime on my days off. So I see no reason for him to say yes, and every reason for him to be annoyed at me for asking.
But I don't think conflict-avoidance is worth my health and sanity... so I'm going to focus on "the courage to change the things I can" and ask anyway, even if it does scare the heck out of me. Here's hoping for a good outcome...
-- Edited by atheos on Thursday 11th of August 2011 08:07:00 PM
For me I always invite God into the conversation when I am afraid of the outcome. I ask my HP to guide me as to when is the appropriate time for me to ask a difficult person in my life for something I need.
You are acting in your own self interest, trying to practice self care. I find you have valuable reasons as to why you need to have a stable shift schedule. Should it not go the way you expect, perhaps come up with a plan B before you have the conversation. Is there a possibility of switching jobs in the company or with another one?
