Dear Sugar,

I have been at my job as a receptionist for almost a year now, and what started out as a great situation has quickly declined — managers have been fired then not replaced, leaving us to pick up the slack and a lot of employees are taking advantage of the lack of supervision (wearing inappropriate clothes, not completing assignments, making overt sexual comments about clients, etc). Unfortunately, as the lowest person on the totem pole, I get a lot of extra work dumped on me that doesn't fall under my job description. I don't mind helping out, but when others aren't working at all, I don't think I should have to do their work for them. However, any time I try to mention this to my boss, she pretty much blows me off. It is getting to the point where I am thinking about quitting, but I'm worried about finding another job in this economy.

This is causing me so much stress that my hair is falling out and I can't eat or sleep since I'm so frustrated and upset all the time. It's also causing tension between my boyfriend and I because he feels like my job is becoming detrimental to my mental health. How can I tell my boss that this working environment is unacceptable without hurting my chances at the company? Or should I just accept that this isn't the job for me and move on? — Unhappy Hayden

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Dear Unhappy Hayden,

Your job situation defiantly sounds frustrating, but you're right, getting another position right now is going to be difficult. Of course your mental well being is the most important thing here so I'd talk to your boss ASAP. Let her know how you're feeling and ask for whatever you need to make things more manageable. If nothing changes and you're still unhappy, I'd dedicate whatever free time you have to looking for something else (keep in mind that you might have better luck after the holidays). Clearly your daily stress is wreaking havoc on your body and spirit so in the meantime, take care of yourself. Hit the gym when you're feeling stressed out and take some time for yourself before bed so you can get a good night's sleep — take a bath, go for a walk with your boyfriend, or watch a funny movie. Hopefully something will work out for you sooner than later. Good luck.

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