My first job is so stressful that I cry myself to sleep every night
DEAR DEIDRE: I’M finding my first job a real letdown and it’s so stressful.
It took months to get work in my chosen field after graduating, and I was so excited to start my career.
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I’m a 22-year-old woman and the first in my family to go to university.
But my job isn’t what I imagined it to be. My contract states I should work from 9.30am to 6pm, yet I’m there until at least 6.30pm each day.
My workload is so high I get very behind. Sometimes I have to stay alone in an empty office until I finish everything.
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Most people in the company work free overtime but nobody complains.
Yesterday I burst into tears because I felt I couldn’t cope.
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DEIDRE SAYS: Starting work can be a culture shock. Maybe you need to accept that you’ll be there until 6.30pm, like everyone else.
However, if the job isn’t possible to do without often staying very late, perhaps you should discuss your workload with your boss.
For advice on rights at work, contact Acas National, (, helpline 0300 123 1100).