Am I being overworked?

I'm a graphic designer at a small company and I feel I'm being overly used. I work on artwork digitally on the computer thats my main job, and now I'm being expected to have knowledge in decorating, talking with suppliers to supply staff with the right equipment...I finish work on time which is good.

I'm becoming a bit frustrated on doing things that I'm not qualified for. It's wasting my time as I have a huge backlog of more important projects. I'm just a graphic designer, I create content and communicate with the team my thought process.

It's taking a toll on my physical and mental health. I get extremely tired and stressed when I'm in the office and even WFH. I can't do much things after work.

I'm up to the job, but I just feel overly worked.

Is this right?

Reply 1

hotpud

Original post by Anonymous

I'm a graphic designer at a small company and I feel I'm being overly used. I work on artwork digitally on the computer thats my main job, and now I'm being expected to have knowledge in decorating, talking with suppliers to supply staff with the right equipment...I finish work on time which is good.
I'm becoming a bit frustrated on doing things that I'm not qualified for. It's wasting my time as I have a huge backlog of more important projects. I'm just a graphic designer, I create content and communicate with the team my thought process.
It's taking a toll on my physical and mental health. I get extremely tired and stressed when I'm in the office and even WFH. I can't do much things after work.
I'm up to the job, but I just feel overly worked.
Is this right?

Time to leave or time to ask for a pay rise? There is no point going into work each day if is having a detrimental effect. However, when you look for new jobs your reason for leaving is because you are seeking new opportunity, not because your last job was rubbish.

Reply 2

Surnia

Life & Style Forum Helper

What does it say in your Job Description/Terms of Reference?

If you work in a small company there will be extra tasks which need doing; who do you expect to take these on? Are there other staff in the same role as you who do so? What do you class as career progression; is it the ability to take on more wise-ranging responsibilities?

Look at what you do outside of your actual role, put it in writing and discuss with your boss, but consider my questions above.

Reply 3

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous

I'm a graphic designer at a small company and I feel I'm being overly used. I work on artwork digitally on the computer thats my main job, and now I'm being expected to have knowledge in decorating, talking with suppliers to supply staff with the right equipment...I finish work on time which is good.
I'm becoming a bit frustrated on doing things that I'm not qualified for. It's wasting my time as I have a huge backlog of more important projects. I'm just a graphic designer, I create content and communicate with the team my thought process.
It's taking a toll on my physical and mental health. I get extremely tired and stressed when I'm in the office and even WFH. I can't do much things after work.
I'm up to the job, but I just feel overly worked.
Is this right?

You joined a small business, this is how they work. If you want a career where you just come in, do exactly what it says on your JD and go home on the dot of time, and bear no responsibility for the businesses success beyond that, then join the largest possible organisation you can, where you can just be a function. However, be aware, if business conditions change they will cut you away without a thought.

If you want more than that, then you have to take responsibility and have a discussion with your line manager. Talk to them about the volume of work, and priorities, explain the graphic design work you have to do, and ask them what the business needs are. In a small organisation, It's entirely normal for people to do additional roles outside their specific narrow role/job title.

'I'm not qualified' isn't a valid response, there aren't qualifications for most things in life. Experience is what counts, and you have to ride the wave of building up experience if you want to get anywhere - otherwise, aim for an anonymous corporate where you can turn into 'Smith in the design office who has been there for 35 years and no-one knows a thing about'.