Work problems

[Sup Phyl]

I started a thread related to this but the situation has become a major problem and I don't know what to do.
My job is very people involved which is difficult as it is and there is a new system in place which makes it even worse. I get tight chested and nauseous before I start at the very possibility that I have to work the system. Today, half an hour after I found out I didn't have to use the system I still felt nauseous and I was shaking. I have cried from the anxiety whilst at work when I was told I had to use the system.
If anyone could give me any advice I would appreciate it because I don't know whether to talk to my boss about it, but I don't want to make excuses for not doing things everyone else has to.
Thank you in advance.

 

[market.garden]

If you think your boss will be understanding and try to help you work around the problem, then telling them might be a good step.

Don't worry about making excuses - if its affecting you to the degree where you feel tight chested and nauseous then something needs to be done to make you feel more at ease.

 

[AsTimeBurns]

What is "The System"? You make it sound like some sort of evil machine that would be the subject of a 1980s cult sci-fi film.

 

[Sup Phyl]

I think it's evil but it's basically speaking to customers using headsets, that's the basic gist of it. It sounds really stupid to get anxious about but I can't help it. Saying 'the system' is less embarassing for me Also another reason why I would have trouble talking to my boss about it is because it doesn't sound believeable.

 

[psych]

MG, gave good advice.

For now, if you don't have to use it, don't.

People tend to frown at this suggestion... But, you could maybe use something like an antianxiety med to help soothe your stress until you can get used to this situation and are more at ease.

Whatever happens, I wish you luck with it.
I had a personal assistant gig that had me puking on the job from stress... I don't think I will put myself through that ever again. Nobody should have to deal with that.

 

[Section_31]

This ISNT stupid at all. The fact is this is bothering you, to the point where its affecting your life and health.

I agree with psych, is it possible to see your doctor about some temporary "nuclear" calmdown medication?. Ive had some in the past and its allowed me to be calm enough to get used to the task at hand. I personally dont frown on it, anything to make things easier.

Hang in there. dont give up. And keep us posted.

 

[Sup Phyl]

MG, gave good advice.

For now, if you don't have to use it, don't.

People tend to frown at this suggestion... But, you could maybe use something like an antianxiety med to help soothe your stress until you can get used to this situation and are more at ease.

Whatever happens, I wish you luck with it.
I had a personal assistant gig that had me puking on the job from stress... I don't think I will put myself through that ever again. Nobody should have to deal with that.

I'm not really given a choice and some of my supervisers don't come across as being understanding. I have thought about taking meds, I just don't see it as a long term solution. Thank you though for the suggestion I will think on it.
I'm sorry you went through what you did and I admire you for trying, I couldn't even make myself apply for PA jobs.

 

[Feathers]

Can you try 'practising' at home with headsets? (Or something similar?)
Or try with the 'system' when no one is around? Maybe it would be easier, to get used to it, in 'small dose' (eg a few minutes first, then longer?)

When I had some phobias 'tapping' on them (EFT) or doing something called TAT helped me too, this may work for some people and not for others, there are videos online tho (on YouTube etc).
When something was upsetting to me it usually helped me to journal about it too, and I've usually tried to brainstorm ways around it or do 'DIY CBT'... (based on a book about CBT, eg Dr Burns: The Feeling Good Handbook).
I have no idea if these things could help you too, personally I'd try other methods before any meds...
Or maybe you could find a helpful counsellor or coach?

At least for some of us, nutrition can be a factor too... Cocoa helps me calm down and I avoid sugar or sugary things and coffee and soda... (I shudder now at the silly things I used to eat when I worked at an office, no wonder I was so stressed then lol and I drank way too much green tea then lol)

Headphones don't scare me, but I wear them a lot, at the computer, listening to songs or YouTube videos etc. Maybe it would help you to use a headset in a pleasent environment, watching/listening to something you really LIKE? Or maybe even talking to nice people on spw or elsewhere?
Can you talk to other people (non-customers) alright? Or would it be helpful to practise with some nice spw-ers or elsewhere?

Do you need to cold-call or sell things to customers? Or give support to sometimes irate/angry people? These situations could be stressful, yup... Maybe some older co-workers could help with ideas for things to say or do or how to think about it to be calmer? There are books on these topics too, some may be helpful...?

Good luck & hope things get better!!

 

[oscarwilde]

Tomorrow I'll have a minor challenge. The task is not very complicated, I'll have to sell some relaitvely expensive books at a second-hand bookshop. We already agreed on the price so there's not much of a chance the owner would try to bargain, still, I'm afraid they'll somehow take advantage of my lack of confidence if I show it.
I'm a bit worried that my SA and the negative belief system about money&business that I inherited from my family, (mainly my dad) might block my way in making a living. My dad always says that you can only get 'rich' (which in our case means middle class level) by using others and generally being an *******. Now I know this isn't reality, but I've been raised to believe money and people with money are evil, and these very strong suggestions are difficult to erase.
This combined with my inferiority issues can lead to the same lifestyle my father leads - the one in which we're always broke and cry about our helplessness. I DON'T want to live that way!
Any ideas/tips to overcome these obstacles? Any experiences?