After receiving a promotion, I was excited about the new responsibilities and eager to prove myself. My managers initially told me I would be handling one large account with multiple sub-accounts. However, two weeks in, I was unexpectedly assigned another major account. At first, I didn’t think it would be overwhelming, but I quickly realized I was wrong.
The stakeholders for this second account were incredibly demanding, constantly requesting meetings and sending inquiries. Before I knew it, my workload became unmanageable. I barely had time to focus on my primary account—the one I was initially assigned—and every day felt like a never-ending cycle of emails, meetings, and stress.
The Breaking Point: When Work Becomes Overwhelming
For nearly a year, I kept telling myself things would get better. I hoped that over time, I’d find a rhythm, that processes would become more efficient, and that I’d be able to manage it all. But instead, things only got worse. I started feeling like I was drowning in work, constantly worried about whether I had completed all my tasks. My anxiety skyrocketed, and I even began having nightmares about unfinished work.
It wasn’t just affecting my job performance—it was spilling into my personal life. My husband and family noticed how stressed and exhausted I had become, urging me to talk to my manager about the situation.
The Power of Speaking Up
At first, I hesitated. I didn’t want to seem incapable or ungrateful for the promotion. But eventually, I couldn’t take it anymore. This week, I finally reached out to my manager, requesting a conversation. His immediate response was concern—he even asked if he should be worried. I reassured him that it wasn’t anything alarming but that I needed to discuss something important.
When we spoke, I laid everything out honestly. I explained how overwhelmed I was, how my workload had grown beyond what I was initially promised, and how it was affecting my performance. Most importantly, I told him that while I could handle stress, I couldn’t continue working under conditions where I was constantly falling behind and unable to give my best to my primary account.
I proposed a solution: reassigning the additional account to another associate. To my relief, he was receptive to my concerns and assured me he would discuss it with the other managers.
Lessons Learned: Why You Should Advocate for Yourself
The biggest takeaway from this experience? It’s okay to speak up. You don’t have to silently endure stress just because you want to prove yourself. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of self-awareness and professionalism.
If you’re struggling with an overwhelming workload, remember this:
- Communicate openly – Your manager isn’t a mind reader. If you don’t speak up, they won’t know you’re struggling.
- Set boundaries – Taking on more than you can handle doesn’t benefit anyone, especially if it affects your work quality.
- Propose solutions – Instead of just venting, offer a possible resolution to the issue. This shows initiative and professionalism.
- Prioritize your mental health – No job is worth sacrificing your well-being.
Final Thought: “Ask, and You Shall Receive”
One of my personal mottos is: “Ask, and you shall receive.” If you don’t voice your concerns, no one will know you need help. Speaking up allowed me to relieve a huge burden, and now my manager is actively working on a solution.
If you’re in a similar situation, don’t wait until you’re completely burned out. Advocate for yourself, because your well-being matters just as much as your work performance.
