How do I deal with stress from a job working with angry/depressed clients?!
Question: I work as an assistant to a very busy, very good divorce attorney. He also does child custody and visitation cases, as well as divorces and separations. He is always in court so I take all of his calls and his clients use me as their "sounding board" whenever they are angry or upset at their soon-to-be-ex or child's parent. It's AWFUL - they are so vindictive, bitter and upset.
I am SO burnt out from all of these negative emotions. I know I'm not supposed to let it affect me but I can't help it. It's not that I think "Oh, that poor person!"...rather, it makes me think "I DON'T CARE, SHUT UP!" inside my head while I am on the phone with them.
I am very professional-sounding and looking, and am frequently complimented by the other attorneys here on my "manner" with the clients. I was given a big raise and my own office for it! But this fake "manner" is completely burning me out. I have to keep this job for 2 more years for financial reasons.
How do I deal with this?
Answers: I work as an assistant to a very busy, very good divorce attorney. He also does child custody and visitation cases, as well as divorces and separations. He is always in court so I take all of his calls and his clients use me as their "sounding board" whenever they are angry or upset at their soon-to-be-ex or child's parent. It's AWFUL - they are so vindictive, bitter and upset.
I am SO burnt out from all of these negative emotions. I know I'm not supposed to let it affect me but I can't help it. It's not that I think "Oh, that poor person!"...rather, it makes me think "I DON'T CARE, SHUT UP!" inside my head while I am on the phone with them.
I am very professional-sounding and looking, and am frequently complimented by the other attorneys here on my "manner" with the clients. I was given a big raise and my own office for it! But this fake "manner" is completely burning me out. I have to keep this job for 2 more years for financial reasons.
How do I deal with this?
Is there anyone who can take the calls for you for part of the day? Or can you let the machine answer it and then write down the messages? Maybe not all day, but part of it, and make sure you are checking the messages constantly and following up if necessary. It is hard to just listen and not be affected by it. Try to get out of your office for short breaks every so often just to walk around and get some quiet. Good luck and I hope you find some way to cope!
You need to learn to leave the work at the office. Also find something that will take your mind off it. I use the Gym to workout and relieve stress from seeing clients and dealing with their issues. Find something you enjoy that is a stress reliever and that should help you cope with the work environment.
I would recommend that you get some counseling and allow yourself to off-load.
Re-evaluate your work situation, what price do you put on your emotional well-being?
I deal with negativity in my work and I access good sound supervision that enables me to do the my job extremely effectively.
Will your boss provide external supervision for you?
Take care and good luck
Dawn pugh.com