Emotion: depression
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I can't seem to find a job that I find satisfying and feel like working for a big company just isn't for me but it's all I know.

user: Hi there

assistant: Hey, how's it going?

user: Not bad but I'm just getting fed up with work. working for a big corporate just bored me to tears. It's all I know and I feel trapped like I can't escape. I don't want this to be my life for ever!

assistant: What is it about your job that you don't like?

user: I think it's all the politics of working in an office, the endless meetings and the people trying to get one over on each other. I find it draining.

assistant: Bleh, sorry to hear that. I think I understand what you're saying.

user: Have you had a similar experience?

assistant: Perhaps it's like following through on your work goals is challenging enough, and then there's a bunch of unnecessary effort on top of it to work around the politics. Yeah, maybe I have. I guess I've been in situations when I was surprised and confused as to why a team couldn't just work together towards the common goal. Does that sound similar?

user: It does indeed, actually it's like you work in my office. I'm just fearful that if I try something new I won't be able to support myself financially, do you know what I mean?

assistant: For sure. It's true that you don't *have* to work there, but I'm sure there are factors in play that make it difficult to leave. Here's a blunt question- what do you want to do about it? Do you think you want to get better at being happy in this job? Or work towards getting another job?

user: That is a very good question. I hadn't thought about it like that. I think I want to try something new and you have helped me realise this. I don't think I actually want to be happier in my current position. The question is how should I approach it?

assistant: Small steps, I suppose. What do you think the very very first, small step would be?

user: I think maybe consider what I actually enjoy and how could I make that profitable.

assistant: Nice! That's a good first step. And it's a step that doesn't cost anything to do. Just some time, maybe. Do you think you have enough time nowadays to start looking into that?

user: I think maybe I could do something on the side while I'm still working until I'm sure of what I want to so. Finding time with a family and a full time job is hard though. That's why so many people get trapped.

assistant: Yep, for sure. It's not going to be easy.

user: Do you think it's even possible?

assistant: Most likely! The only thing keeping me from saying definitely is because I don't know all the info. But sure.

user: At least that's positive. I need to do something about this because I think it's starting to affect my mental health!

assistant: I gotta believe that switching careers is much more common nowadays than it was one or two generations ago. People you meet along the way will understand. Absolutely. Work can affect mental health particularly when it seems like your efforts aren't going towards anything meaningful. Is that how it feels at your job now?

user: That's true actually. Yes that's how I feel right now. You get it. It's like I'm part of a meaningless machine. I think I'm definitely going to do something about it now. Thanks for your input today it has helped

assistant: Good to know. Because maybe that's something you could keep in mind when you think about new jobs. Does this job allow me to see meaningful outcomes from my effort, and so on. That's cool, thanks for saying that. It was nice talking with you!