I'll keep it short first. I'm 44 and I've been working at a factory in Huai Sai, Cha-Am–Hua Hin area for about 18 years.

Sorry if this is messy, it's my first time posting and I really need to vent.

Two months ago (around 8 weeks) the company brought in a new shift manager. He's late 30s, just transferred from another branch. At first I was actually happy — at 7:10 on his first day I even smiled and said hi — but once he started working it's been really weird.

I've done the same job for nearly two decades: run the machines, tune them, keep production from wasting material, and write notes/reports to the head office. I've always kept a small notebook in my pocket and jotted everything down. But now my duties have increased with no pay raise or even a thank-you.

They've added new tasks, like teaching new hires — which I'm fine with — but because I keep records he won't listen. Sometimes he orders me to do stuff not related to my original responsibilities, like sit and check other people's logs instead of fixing machines. I do it, but it feels unfair.

What makes it worse is that before the new manager switched shifts less often, but now our shift starts earlier and we get fewer breaks. I'm 44 — my body can't take it like before. I get back pain, migraines, wake up at night, can't sleep well. When I complain he acts like I'm just whining and says, “Aren't you used to it?” Yeah... I'm used to it, but there are limits, right?

He also likes to call quick meetings during break and says it will be two minutes. I'm fine with that, but sometimes it drags on for an hour. He also makes decisions without asking the people who actually do the work, like changing inspection procedures and saying follow the new manual — but the new manual has no input from production. I looked at it and warned it would increase scrap, but he cut me off with “Try it first, we'll talk if there's a problem.” In the end waste did go up. Some coworkers started seeing me as the troublemaker even though I'm just trying to keep things safe and reduce costs.

What made me cry was the other day he called me out in front of everyone and said my work is slower than others, yelling like he was accusing me. I was stunned because my work is actually heavier than others’ and he doesn't know the details. He said, “At your age you should adapt faster.” That line really hurt.

I’ve tried, but taking care of a family, expenses, and my body isn’t like when I was in my twenties. It makes me feel ashamed and so discouraged. Some coworkers are quiet, some comfort me, but others stopped inviting me to lunch like we used to. I feel more alone.

I don’t know whether to talk to the senior manager or HR. I'm afraid if I bring it up they'll see me as a troublemaker, or they'll change my shift, take away duties, or do something worse. I'm really scared T_T

My daughter is 20 and studying, expenses are rising. I want to save, but if I quit or get pushed out finding another job around Hua Hin won't be easy. Jobs needing someone with my experience are few. Selling stuff on my own means starting over, and I'm not young anymore. Going back to an internship or training again doesn't feel appealing.

Some nights I sleep only 2–3 hours because that sentence keeps repeating in my head: “At your age.” It shook my confidence even though I've worked so hard for so long. My spirit and energy are really down.

Should I tough it out for the money and stability? Would talking to the senior manager help? Or should I look for another job first and then contact HR? Or just keep swallowing it forever? Will anyone understand? I don't want to make a big fuss, but I also don't want to be treated this way anymore.

Sorry for the long post, friends. What do you think I should do? I'm so confused and so sad.

P.S. Sorry if this breaks the forum rules 55555