I feel very unhappy at work at the moment and really need to let it out! Sorry for the long post.

I feel trapped and totally out of control. There are several things that are going on ‘above’ me, changes in the way we currently run our business etc, and many of these changes will affect me. However, because of my level in the business (2 down from the CEO) I’m not being included in the decision making process. I’m concerned that they are going to make decisions without knowing all the facts and the impact it will have.

Part of this is down to the fact that my line manager (who is on the board and, kind of, involved in some of these discussions) isn’t a proper manager to me in that he doesn’t have a full understanding of what my role entails or the extent of work that I am involved in throughout the organisation. In short – I feel he can’t represent my views or the views of my team at this level.

I don’t really have any faith in him (or the chief executive to be honest). The reason that he’s my line manager is because when they promoted me 2 years ago, I was inexperienced as a manager at this level and I think they wanted a ‘safety net’ of someone more experienced (ie older) above me.

I feel very undervalued, but at the same time I feel like I have too much responsibility at this level. It’s like I’m given the responsibility, but not the tools (i.e facts or involvement) to be able to deal with it.

The business doesn’t have a strategy. Yet I am expected to produce a marketing strategy for the business, at the level I am at. I just don’t know where to begin and I don’t feel there is anyone who can help me!

To add to this, my colleague (at my level) has had a change in his role in that he’s been freed him up for business development projects. I think it’s the right thing for the business, however my work load was too heavy before but now all the development work he’s doing is further impacting on me. He comes up with the ideas and does the initial research but then the actual ‘work’ or implementation is up to me. I feel he seems to get the cool stuff and I just get the donkey work afterwards.

I told my boss last week that I’m feeling very low, although I didn't explain all the reasons. But he’s now gone away for a week and he hasn’t done anything about it. I also have to deputise for him whilst he’s away so I’ve got 8 members of staff to look after too, which isn’t helping.

Coupled with this I’m doing my college course and, whilst I’m enjoying it, it’s impacting on my work because I can’t do so many extra hours here because I need to concentrate on my studying.

I don’t know what to do. My gut is to just say sod them all and just leave, but I don’t want to leg it as soon as the going gets tough. But I’ve been here for 5 years and it’s probably time to move on anyway. But I’ve got my college course to deal with. That won’t finish until January 2009 and I’m not sure I’d be able to cope with a brand new job as well as do that.

I feel like I’ve nowhere to turn and I’m not sleeping properly.

If you've made it to here and if anyone has any advice I’d be really grateful. Thanks.