Dreading Monday every Sunday

Sunday evenings can be really tough for a lot of people, but it sounds like it's become especially challenging for you lately. You mentioned it didn't used to be like this - can you tell me a bit more about what's changed? What do you think might be contributing to that feeling in your stomach when you think about going back to work?

It sounds incredibly overwhelming. Feeling like you're shouldering the bulk of the workload and expectations can be really draining, both physically and emotionally. It's understandable that by Sunday evening, you're feeling exhausted and dreading the week ahead. Have you talked to your manager about how you're feeling, or is that something you've been trying to handle on your own?

It can feel really frustrating and unappreciated when you're taking on a lot of responsibility and not getting any recognition for it. It's like your efforts are invisible. And when you feel like your concerns won't be heard, it can be really discouraging to even try to bring them up. But I want to acknowledge that it takes a lot of strength and dedication to keep pushing through like you have been. It's not sustainable, though - you can't keep running on empty forever. Can you tell me more about what you think would need to change for you to feel more appreciated and supported in your role?

It sounds like you're craving some kind of acknowledgment and validation from your manager, and maybe even from your colleagues. You want to feel seen and appreciated for all that you're doing. It's not just about the work itself, but about feeling like you're valued and respected as a person. Feeling like you could quit and nobody would notice can be a really painful and isolating experience. It's like you're invisible, and that can be very hurtful. Have you ever felt seen and appreciated in your role, or is this a relatively new feeling for you?

It's like something shifted over time, and the appreciation and respect you once felt just kind of... faded away. It's not just about the workload or the tasks themselves, but about the sense of connection and value you felt in your role. It's like you've been slowly becoming disconnected from the sense of purpose and meaning you once had. That can be a really difficult and disorienting experience. I'm wondering, do you think there's a part of you that's still holding on to the way things used to be, and that's making it harder for you to adjust to the way things are now?

It sounds like you feel like the company's values and priorities have shifted in a way that's really uncomfortable for you, and that you're feeling a sense of loss and disillusionment with the way things are now. You're not nostalgic for the past, but rather, you're holding on to a sense of what's right and fair, and you're feeling like that's not being respected or valued in your current work environment. It takes a lot of courage to speak out and say that something isn't fine, especially when it feels like nobody else is listening or cares. Can you tell me more about what you think you need to happen in order to feel like you can continue in this role, or if you're starting to think that it might be time to look for something else?

I think I may have inadvertently given you the impression that I'm not fully listening or understanding your concerns. That's not my intention at all. I want you to know that I'm here to support you, and I'm committed to helping you navigate this difficult situation. It sounds like you're feeling really frustrated and overwhelmed, and you're looking for a way to address the issues you're facing with your boss and the company culture. Rather than just reflecting back what you've said, I want to ask you a more direct question: what do you think would happen if you were to set some clear boundaries with your boss and communicate your needs more explicitly? Would you feel like that's a viable option, or are there other factors at play that are making you hesitant to take that step?

It sounds like you've already tried to communicate your needs to your boss, and it didn't have the desired effect. It can be really demotivating when you feel like you're not being heard or taken seriously. I think what I was getting at with "other factors" is that sometimes, our own fears or doubts can hold us back from taking action or setting boundaries, even when we know it's what we need to do. But it sounds like, in this case, you're feeling pretty clear that the issue is with your boss and the company culture, rather than with anything internal. That being said, I do want to acknowledge that setting boundaries can be a powerful way to take care of yourself, even if it doesn't change your boss's behavior. It's a way of saying, "This is what I'm willing and able to do, and this is what I'm not." Would you be willing to explore what that might look like for you, even if it's just as a thought experiment? What would you need to feel safe and supported in setting those boundaries?