Can't cope with anxiety/stress work

LegacyUser

Hi everyone,

Basically I'm due to finish a post-grad course soon and am actively job-hunting. My problem is, although I've worked really hard to get to this point and really want to find work, I'm also kinda terrified at the same time!

It's not that I don't want to work- I got really depressed that last time that I was out of work as I was driven mad by having nothing to do. In fact, I love having a sense of purpose to the day- I don't mind boring, or monotonous work- give me a pile of filing to sort out and I can get it done in no time! I actually would enjoy it!

It's more the social side of work and having to deal with people, especially anything in the realm of customer complaints, etc. Let's just say I've had some bad work experiences in the past with customers yelling at me down the phone, etc. I just can't handle it. At one point in my old job I would spend every break in the toilets crying as I just couldnt handle the stress. I know it sounds bad, but I just hate the responsibility of having to sort out messy situations. Something like being a waitress would be my worst nightmare, for example- having to be constantly 'on', pleasing people, etc!

I'm not even so concerned with office politics as I just keep my nose out of other people's business and get on with things. In college, I surprised myself by being a good organiser/communicator within group work projects, even taking on a leadership role at times.

It's just when it comes to customers,complaints, etc (especially the phone!) I have a sort of phobia I suppose!

Any advice?

blatantrereg

If possible reserve certain times for dealing with emails and phone calls. A lot of the stress from them is that they are intrusive. If you only check messages at certain times and only deal with them at certain times it prevents them from being intrusive. It will also help you focus on your other work.

RZoran

What kind of work? No reputable company is going to expect you to sit there taking abuse from somebody and the only thing you can really do is warn them to calm down and if not walk away from them or hang up if they are on phone. Also you need to see the fear of the phone as completely irrational since you can put them on hold/mute while you gather your thoughts or hang up on them. Also you have to not take things personally if they were not caused by you. The person working the lost baggage desk at an airline can do their job perfectly and they are still going to be dealing with angry people no matter what. Sometimes you just have to put yourself in the customers shoes and learn how to deal with angry people, but again there is big difference between civilized/understandable anger and a person who is having a meltdown. If you are open to self-help type books, Dale Carnegie "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and/or "The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking" are pretty good.

silverfeather

Hi listen maybe you have to find the right type of job for you?


Don't feel bad for being who you are. I would seek some help if it is stopping you enjoying life though.

I suffer from anxiety but more PTSD type I know how awful the attacks can be. Blatant rereg had good advice. Also seek support from your managers.