Why is it that when we keep everything afloat and manage to juggle balls in the air, we get little or no praise but in fact more is expected of us?

I still haven't moved to my new location and to top it all my colleague has been off sick since last Tuesday.  I am now managing current boss and his team, plus new boss and his team as well as my colleague's boss and his team.  I actually think I deserve a medal rather than hear someone say, "mmm I hope you are looking after my team".

Are people that insensitive or is it because I'm doing such a good job that they expect more?  I know what you are all going to say, do these individuals have any idea what my workload amounts to, answer yes!  They are all well aware given the comment above.

If I don't keep up with the work, jobs don't get done, meetings don't get arranged, travellers don't catch flights and things fall apart.  On the other hand if I keep going at the rate I'm going, something is going to give.  At the minute I am having 10 minute lunchbreaks just to stop emails and phone calls mounting up.  Not good I know and something I don't really believe in doing.

In order to alllow myself some breathing space, I have now decided to use any remaining flexi and annual leave to take off every Friday in December. 

As for the other matter of clearing up someone else's paperwork.....find me 5 minutes in the day and I'll think about it!