The effects of long term stress on everyday functionality

[Sterben]

I've been noticing more and more of lately that I've been making mistakes in everyday things, such as written grammar and speech. My last vacation from work was in 2008, so I'm thinking the stress of that is starting to built up and it's hitting a bursting point. Since where I work it's not safe to ask for any of your PTO hours. How can I solve this issue without risking asking for some time off?

You don't use any PTO hours at all? What about a few days at a time here and there? That's what I mostly do. I get 6 weeks a year but taking more than a few days off at a time usually means a huge mountain of work when I return.

Is it possible that your perception that it's not safe to ask for any PTO is flawed? It might be if your coworkers use it with no repercussions.

     I have not used a single hour in eight years, going on nine soon. My perception is not flawed, other people have used them and have been safe. But, I'm a employee who has been for a while and people that have been for a while are always at risk for being forced out to save the store money on pay roll. We lost our holiday pay and I always op out of using PTO time for that as well. It gives me a edge other people don't have, there is one other person like who works there as well. His grandmother passed, and even though he was entitled to some time off. He would not risk using any of his time. He had to schedule the wake and burial around his normal days off. In order to make sure he could not be punished by any means, he had to keep this hidden from management and pretend nothing was wrong.

---

I'm worried about even asking for one additional day off will rock the boat and throw me in the water.

What? I'm aware that the US isn't exactly primus when it comes to workplace regulations or workers rights, but isn't there at least some vaccation time granted? Or can they simply give you the boot for executing your rights without consequence?

       They can, it all depends on how they word in the paper work.

[Iroscato]

If it's affecting your day to day life to the point where it's fucking up your ability to write coherently, then it is not the right career for you. Consider a change with immediate effect.

[Sterben]

If it's affecting your day to day life to the point where it's fucking up your ability to write coherently, then it is not the right career for you. Consider a change with immediate effect.

     I made some mental adjustments and I think they are working, I was trying to tackle to much on own to prove my worth for too long.

[Alex K]

If it's affecting your day to day life to the point where it's fucking up your ability to write coherently, then it is not the right career for you. Consider a change with immediate effect.

     I made some mental adjustments and I think they are working, I was trying to tackle to much on own to prove my worth for too long.

Dude, you need regular vacations and enough sleep.