I don't like the new job!: I'm half way... - Anxiety and Depre...

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I don't like the new job!

42 Replies

I'm half way down the training in the job in a call center. I was ready for the action. But this past week I have been taking calls. And dam my nerves are really bad. I can't talk because my anxiety kicks in. Its not a nice experience. I really need the job because I'm behind on my car payments. I feel miserable because The English calls are hard for me. And I even cried when I had my first confrontation with a customer on the line. I don't know what to do. The trainer told me that I was doing fine. Its I don't like feeling all anxious during the 8 hours I work. But I have a lot of bills under my sleeve. People tell that i I'm gonna be fine that it takes time to learn the job. But I can't calm down and I feel that this is not for me. Just money wise that's the only reason why I'm gonna stay. I don't know what to do. Being a nervous person makes everything so difficult for me. 😭

42 Replies
DAVIDkd profile image
DAVIDkd

I don't know what your work hours are, but could you go looking for another job in your off hours? Call centers are not good places for people with anxiety and depression. Such a job drove my wife to a suicide attempt. I advise you to get out as soon as you can.

in reply to DAVIDkd

The hours are good. I work 6:30 to 3:30 ok. I get 40 hours. I just started looking for another one. It's been bad I really need to look harder for another one.

icDavey profile image
icDavey in reply to

Hang in there. It took 9 years and some bad reasoning to drive my wife over the edge. Just find a job as soon as you can. Retail always needs people.

in reply to icDavey

I did retail for 7 years. I thought I as done. But I think I rather go back to that. Keeping my fingers crossed something comes out soon.

matildaz profile image
matildaz in reply to DAVIDkd

No Job that causes you that amount of stress is worth it. Call the places you owe bills and make arrangements. It will give you relief. Then look for a job that brings satisfaction and builds your self esteem.

in reply to matildaz

Right now i don't even know what i want to work in. The job I had a bakery was very enjoyable for me. But then the last 2 years i was being criticize so much that I don't have a self-esteem. I went to knowing my job to literally feeling like a total idiot about it.

icDavey profile image
icDavey in reply to

What was that about? Bad boss? Health issues? Would a new bakery be appropriate?

in reply to icDavey

I started having issues with one of the girls that really didn't understand what was going on. I asked one day to leave because my anxiety was really bad. She took it very personally and she even stopped talking to me. Then the store director made it seem that I was going from store to store having meltdowns. My boss...she was just lazy and didn't know how to handle the situation. I think going back to retail would be better for me.

icDavey profile image
icDavey in reply to

Sounds like you were in a grocery store bakery? If you liked it, go apply at others. Personality conflict with another employee? That will be forgiven by a new employer. Be honest about it. Your experience is valuable. Is there any truth to the multiple meltdowns accusation?

icDavey profile image
icDavey in reply to icDavey

Obviously your anxiety is a real problem. Try meditation? Find a meditation group.Work on it.

in reply to icDavey

No it only happen once. Yeah it was a grocery store bakery.

icDavey profile image
icDavey in reply to

Well, go back to what you love. Surely there is another store like it?

in reply to icDavey

Yeah there is. I put in a application for one. I will continue to keep on looking.

Jason28 profile image
Jason28

Hi Gaby85,

I can relate to your situation, I also work in a call centre and I suffer very bad from anxiety and depression.

I remember the day I went for the interview I was so tightly strung with anxiety and was convinced I didn't get the job. I did get the job and I freaked out but I went for it.

The whole way through training for 6 weeks a panicked and thought I will never be able to do the job, 6 years on now and I am a pro, I done the job so many times I could do it blind folded it just took me time to adapt and learn the skills needed.

Give yourselves a break, you done well to get the job in the first place.

If you are like me I thought give me 2 weeks and I am gone, but then I got good at it and know I don't even think about it anymore.

in reply to Jason28

I'm trying my best to continue. Its just That feeling anxious all 8 hours. And the anxiety is making my face red and I'm hot all day is not a good feeling.

Jason28 profile image
Jason28 in reply to

You can do what I did, I took my manager into a meeting room told her how I felt and told her what I experience, she cut me allot of slack, you will find it easier as you go on, I was the exact same the whole 8 hours where torture but it became normal after a while so just breath and even ask your manager to take a walk.

in reply to Jason28

The managers were really kind with me. They are letting me take Spanish calls. All my life I always been a very nervous person. Its very frustrating.. Specially because I can't function. I'm trying my best to calm down. I don't wanna give up. But I don't like the feeling.

Jason28 profile image
Jason28 in reply to

Well that's good at least your managers got your back which is half of the battle, I understand completely how you feel I am a nervous person aswell, but trust me when you settle in properly you will build confidence and the anxiety will go away - do you drive at all?

in reply to Jason28

Yes i do.

Jason28 profile image
Jason28 in reply to

Well remember how scared a neverous your were when you where doing your driving test but you still passed, now you drive in auto mode and don't realise your doing it, give it time and this job will be just like that.

Angelfox2002 profile image
Angelfox2002 in reply to Jason28

Thank you for sharing this, I can’t expla my situation at the moment but this helped me feel like I’ll find a job and possibly even a good boss someday. Thank you again for sharing your struggle, I hope you overcome this nervous anxious feeling and fall into place working your way up to bilingual management! You have mastered the “written” form of the English language so the rest will come when you’re ready. Companies really need and value people who speak Spanish so they will do whatever they have to, to accommodate your needs and accomplish your goals! Good Luck! I worked for a call center and had very supportive management when it came to dealing with my anxiety, plus the team was awesome! I find it very encouraging to have a supportive environment at work, i think you should give them a chance and remember the tough guys that are nasty are on the other end of a phone line and are frustrated with the product or situation, not you, I would press mute sometimes and laugh it off!!! I haven’t had a job with similar support since then and my anxiety is at an all time high being an unemployed single mom with a lot of bills to pay living on my own. Please update us with how you’re doing! I have a feeling you’ll love it!

Jason28 profile image
Jason28 in reply to Angelfox2002

No problem at all anything I can do this help.

AnxietySterling profile image
AnxietySterling

I worked in a call center years ago and never liked it... English is my second language and people can be jerks when they hear an accent. I thought I was not going to last but I did get used to it and became good at it... give some time but keep looking around for other opportunities. Keep a good attitude and trust yourself... you did get the job after all because you are qualified ☺

in reply to AnxietySterling

Trying my best to keep positive. The people there have been very supportive. They are letting me Just take Spanish calls. But just feeling anxious all day it's not good. I already cried once and I don't wanna be seen like that by others. I feel more upset at me when I see other people have so easy and they interact with the calls. I don't think my English is bad it's just I get so nervous and I'm not able to talk.

AnxietySterling profile image
AnxietySterling in reply to

For some that type of job is a breeze.. I don't get it... you will be better as you get more comfortable with the co workers and job knowledge. I think it kind of becomes robotic... trust yourself and do your best. Good luck

in reply to AnxietySterling

Thank u 😁

Angelfox2002 profile image
Angelfox2002 in reply to

I can relate! You’re just as qualified as them, are they all bilingual? I envy you for the ability to learn English as a 2nd language and think anyone would feel nervous in this world of people criticizing each other over things as unique as their accent! Accents are a beautiful reminder that we’re all DIFFERENT but EQUAL! I’m not bilingual and wish I was, you are a valuable asset to any company and you deserve to feel equal in your abilities. It helps to talk about it, not with co-workers but this forum is incredible.

Hi Gaby. I too work in an insurance company. I have high anxiety. I had the same feelings you have. I couldn’t talk due to my anxiety. I wound up transferring to another department with in the company. I feel for you because I remember it is like.

in reply to

It's very stressful and frustrating. I know what I'm doing it's just I'm so anxious that I forget what I'm gonna say.

in reply to

Yes, my mind would go blank.

Angelfox2002 profile image
Angelfox2002 in reply to

Have you had anxiety in other work environments or Is this the 1st time you’ve felt this way?

in reply to Angelfox2002

Me...I started with anxiety at work three years ago. I was a manager at a bakery. I even had a nervous breakdown. Ever since then any stressful situation gets too me really bad.

Angelfox2002 profile image
Angelfox2002 in reply to

I’m so sorry, Ive had a nervous breakdown at work too (although my anxiety and crying spells spiral out of control when I’m unemployed even worse). Luckily I was able to sit in my car so no one could see me. It’s very hard to stay focused with the overwhelming feelings that accompany anxiety; feeing speechless and unable to focus! Girl my heart goes out to You, with that said, you made it through the interview and first few days so you must be doing a good job or they would let you go versus investing in training and working with your nerves. I think about this when I consider the massive amount of applicants companies get for each open position these days (the average is something like 150-300 applicants per job opening.) If you can, please think about it like this, you were chosen... from a pile of applicants as deep as one “finding a needle in a hay stack”! Your skills and personality are what made them hire you, they see you as a good fit for this position and for their company, you are valuable to them! Thank yourself, you made these achievements on your own! You are going to do great in anything you do!

I ment to say, I worked in an insurance company.

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi I worked for over 5 years in a call centre in the UK and it really does get much easier over time. I could do it in my sleep now! I became good at it and often did it on automatic pilot. Having said that I hated the job and only stayed because it was well paid and I needed to be solvent too.

It did end up making my depression worse but financially I am in a much better position than I was. The jury is still out as to whether or not it was worth it. x

Katzenjammer82 profile image
Katzenjammer82

It takes a brave person to work at a call center and I will admit that I know I could not do it.

Back in September I ended up hospitalized for a week due to anxiety and depression and I’m 75% sure my job at the time had a huge part in that.

I was so unhappy that I’d fall asleep and wake up crying on days I had go work. My body would hurt and I’d wake up in panic attacks and my arms and fingers would be numb.

I understand you’re bills are behind and due and you gotta do what you gotta do to survive and pay your bills, but you also have to take care of your mental health.

It could be just normal stress of a new job. Or it could be the job itself. Only you can decide that.

To be safe I suggest keeping your resume out there and keep looking for other jobs. Maybe something where you do t have to deal with people as much.

Hi Gaby

Yes, I know the feeling of being stuck in a job you don't like and having to deal with all the stress/anxiety that causes because of personal financial obligations.

Once you make the decision to want to leave, it really builds momentum and hope if you get serious and dedicated about your new job search, otherwise the situation can drag on for months. Best to leave on your own terms rather than being forced out due to poor performance or illness.

As well as looking for another job on the quiet, I would suggest speaking to your GP and asking if he would consider prescribing you something like a beta blocker for your anxiety which may help you get through the short term while you secure your new role in a much more enjoyable work environment.

Opossumish profile image
Opossumish

New jobs are always so stressful for every body, even people who don't struggle with anxiety. You're doing great sticking with it and reaching out for support. Do you practice mindfulness at all? Just taking a bit of time here and there to focus on your breathing throughout the day may help you to regain composure. Have you looked into anti -anxiety medication? That can be immensely helpful to folks with anxiety. I agree with other posters that it will only get easier with time: this is probably the worst of it, right now. I hope you're able to give yourself credit for your courage and resilience, and the fact that you're persevering in spite of your discomfort.

Keep us posted. 🙂

Hugsforyou28 profile image
Hugsforyou28

Hi I can totally relate. I lost my job a few months ago and started a new job that is really not for me. Three months in an I still have anxiety driving to work. I went from a job that I was really good at to a job that is completely foreign and boring to me. It doesn't help that I have panic disorder and am anxious every day. In a way I am grateful for it; it has motivated me to go back to school and follow my dreams. Give it some time, allow yourself to get used to the job. The more experience you have, the more confident you will become. If you still don't like it then find something else. There are plenty of jobs out there! Money is not more important than your happiness and mental health!!

alfie19 profile image
alfie19

Well Done Gaby for getting the job in the call centre it may not be easy at first it takes time and patience talk to your supervisor or manager about any issues you have so they can understand. Ask your Supervisor for one to one training with awkward issues so it will make you feel more at ease.

I did call centre work for 7yrs it was a struggle with anxiety nervous etc. So I practiced with myself and imaginary friend facing a mirror or without going through a script if you have one or practice with a friend or family. The more you do it the more easier it will get. I understand you being anxious but you can and will overcome your problems in time as this is a new beginning for you please do not give up. To have another language is very beneficial and something to be proud of. You may not know it but you can be an asset to your Company the hours you do are very good compared to some. Look for another job in your spare time if you need to but stay with what you have until you are accepted for another job as everyday you are gaining alot of work experience which new employers love. I wish you all the best. Remember to pray to God to give you strength and wisdom and ask for his Angels to take away your nervousness and that your calls will be easier.

in reply to alfie19

Thank you for your words.

alfie19 profile image
alfie19

Remember everyone has to start somewhere and everyone was in your seat when they first started it is a whole new learning experience for you so you are bound to feel nervous.

Give yourself a pat on the back each day will get easier it may take months but after 6months you will be like the rest and you will make new friends. Being anxious or dealing with anxiety thinking you will do it wrong or you are lost for words will become easier write notes in Notepad that you can refer to that's what I did. Use a highlighter to highlight points or things you need to remember. I used to take one call after another do not rush yourself speak slowly and clearly refer to your Notes apologise to the other person on the phone for taking your time as you are new they will understand remember they can not see you they can not see you being nervous that is your advantage. I hope you all the best. Tell yourself that you can do this and you will. Its paying for your car. There are a lot of people who do a job tgat they do not like doing but they do it to pay their bills. You are a very lucky lady wishing you better days. Tell yourself... I am going to have a Good Day Today and maybe you will.

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