Coping with people in a people-oriented field
You may enjoy working with people,but it can be tiring whenever day in and day out you have to socialize. Regardless of who you are, people can be exhausting. It's not that you don't like people, but if you chose a field where you were not used to engaging with people so much, or you're only getting introduced to working in a more community-based area, you may realize just how much it takes out of you to deal with some clients. Trust me, you know the ones...I get it. I'm an introvert, and I've been there. I don't like confrontation, I don't like seeing people back to back, and yet I chose the counseling field because I love helping others make changes in their lives and giving them tools.
Here are some tips that have helped me cope with people in a people-oriented field:
Schedule time for yourself:
Here is the thing, this may not be under your full control, but to some extent, you may have some days with more or less flexibility. If you know you will give a big presentation or will be in back-to-back meetings, make sure to schedule time for yourself every day, even if it's just 30 minutes. This is your time to recharge from people who can easily suck away your energy. This may be your everyday job, but trust me, the exhaustion of people's energy will catch up with you, so start being intentional today. Perhaps schedule that break, take a self-care day, or time-block where possible.
Set boundaries:
You may be a people pleaser, or you may feel guilty saying no, but this is something you need to start practicing. If you know you will not be able to give 100% to a project because you have too much on your plate, speak up. Do not try and do it all; that's how burnout creeps in. Know that if someone misses a meeting, it's not your job to overly accommodate them. If someone misses something you did, it's not on you to take in their guilt. You have enough on your plate, don't go above and beyond every time something that isn't your responsibility goes rye; yes, you may want to be a team player or get more noticed at work, but do it with intention. Ask yourself, am I trying to be beneficial because I have the time and energy? Or am I beginning a people pleaser?
Advocate when it's not a good fit!
This is a big one for me. I used to be in a job that was not the right cultural fit, and it exhausted me every day because I had to pretend to be someone else. If you are an introvert and are in a very extroverted field or company, speak up! You may need more time to process things. I understand sometimes the money is good, or the culture is excellent, but you can have both. You can say, "hey, I'm not sure my talents are being best used where I am". Things may not change instantly, but your employer should be open to at least hearing this feedback and collaborating on a better fit. If not, that may mean your job isn't right for you. Do not allow yourself to suffer in silence; you will burn out and not love what you do.
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