I'm currently working as PHP developer on a small web design company. My main function is to develop websites and small web projects. I have good relationship with all the co-workers and my boss. It's not a "Dream Job", but we have some good projects and it is really better than my previous job.
About 1 year ago, one of my bosses at that time (currently he doesn't make part of the company anymore) was "struggling" to deal with one particular project because he had no enough time for his functions and also for this project. So, he told me I would be joining the project.
According to him, it would be easy. The project wasn't developed by our team, but by freelancers, so, my task would be hear from the client and forward the needs to the freelancers in charge. I would not be programming or developing anything for this project, just checking, testing and forwarding these needs (this is what I've been told).
This client, in particular, was a company lead by a whole family and almost everyone was so "sincere" in a "impolite" way, what make them "rude" people. (That kind of person that says "I'll call my lawyer" for anything).
The project was different from the standards of the company. It was a big project and wans't just a common website, so it would be more complicated to change or implement something.
Right after my first meeting with them, my boss told me I could make the changes they need on my own, without forwarding to the freelancers. I didn't know tecnically the project, and it used functions that I didn't know. I didn't feel prepared to do that. It was hard to change a simple button at first time, not because it was in fact hard, but because I haven't any time do learn anything from the project.
Some time after, the freelancers dropped the project, and it was all left in my hands. I made the best I could and confess I have learn a lot, but also I had tons of stress.
Sometimes I need to work from 8am to 9pm everyday just to meet their (impossible) deadlines, and worst of all: the whole project is a mess. The client don't know a lot of thing about their own business and the project's structure is not so good made.
I'm really open with current boss about this, and he understands me, but there is no way: we need to work for them (due to many factors).
I've considered quiting my job because it made me exausted and I've been experencing burnout symptoms very often, and also, I had some anxiety/panic attacks just by hearing the phone ringing, and thinking it could be them calling me.
But I don't know what to do. If I quit, there is no one else who is able to lead this project (based on to their experience and company's employees number). I feel that would not be a positive conduct.
At the same time, my job brings me joy sometimes: I like the people who I work with, I have a reasonable good wage, and sometimes I work with projects that inspires me. As I live in a small city, It would be hard to find another job in technology area here, so I would need to move too.
What could I do to feel better and don't drop this bomb at another's hands? Is it possible?