Thanks DU for being with me while I make calls for Obama

[RoseMead]

I live in an area where the easiest jobs to get that pay more than minimum wage are in call centers. I have worked over the years in both telemarketing (outbound) centers and customer service (inbound)centers. My best job was for Amazon.com. My worst, by far, was with Applied Card Systems, where I tried (usually unsuccessfully) to help customers of a predatory credit card company. The only things I've refused outright to do are collections, and calls for the RNC or NRA.

Unfortunately, I've also suffered for years with depression and anxiety, and working in call centers makes both of those much, much worse for me. In fact, the last time I tried to work in a call center, I lasted about two weeks. I've pretty much given up on that line of work now. But it's left me with a sort of unreasonable fear of calling strangers on the phone. I get sweaty, butterflies in the stomach, headaches, etc., to the point that I'll avoid it if I possibly can.

But the bitch of it is, I'm really good on phones. I have a good voice and good communications skills. So, I decided I would put those to work for the Obama campaign. I've been going to the campaign office on weekends to make calls, and I have to say it has been a very positive experience. Being surrounded by people who are doing the same work and are all inspired toward the same goal makes calling strangers almost pleasant. So much so, that I volunteered to do it at home, too.

Unfortunately, when I get home, it's just me and the list, and the fear starts creeping back in. So, to combat that, I've started a reward system for myself: I make a few calls, then read DU. Then make some more calls, then read DU. It makes me feel less alone, like I'm still surrounded by that room full of people in the campaign office. I know folks on DU are doing just what I'm doing, or much more, and it gives me hope and helps calm the crazies.

So thanks DU! You are my online community, and you're providing me with more support than you know.

Two more weeks. And we're all in this together.

:grouphug:

[meegbear]

1. No prob - that's why we're here

[ogneopasno]

2. Thanks for your work!

Keep it up!

[RoseMead]

8. Oh, I will

West Virginia's so close. I don't know if Obama will win here, but it's almost within reach. I want to see this state go solid blue, like we used to be.

[spoony]

3. Good on ya

Thank you for what you're doing :)

[RoseMead]

9. Thanks

Thanks to everyone for the good vibes. DU is my favorite madhouse on the Intertubes. :)

[demnan]

4. Thank you for making those calls

I know its really better to be in a phone bank around other people because the positive energy really keeps you going, but postive energy on screen is nearly as good.

As far as the depression and anxiety go, they have really good drugs now for that and some have become generic so they aren't as expensive as they used to be.

[RoseMead]

6. You're welcome

I've been on medication before, mostly SSRIs. They helped the depression by making me feel more awake, but didn't do much for the anxiety.

Being a stay-at-home mom has helped. I do best when I can take stress breaks or go back to bed for an hour or two in the morning if I need to. Having a job where I have to be consistently ok day in and day out is the hardest thing.

I may end up back on meds by the time this is done, though. lol The Bush Years and this election have worn my ass out.

[peace13]

5. Thank you for making the calls.

It is not an easy job. Peace, Kim:hi:

[RoseMead]

7. Beats getting punched in the face

Thinking of things like that makes phoning seem not so bad.

[wryter2000]

10. Hooray for you

Wryter2000 is cheering for you!

[RoseMead]

11. Thanks Wryter

Hope is a scary thing sometimes, but it's so beautiful I keep returning to it in spite of myself. :)

[Spritz57]

12. A Big Shout Out to you from the old Spritz!

Thank you for using one of your gifts for the great cause which we all celebrate!:pals: