Emotion: fear
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I don't think my current job is right for me. I have been doing it for 7 years and it's all I know. I don't know what to do for the best.

assistant: Hello there! How are you feeling today?

user: Hello I am OK but I have a bot of a work issue that I'd like some support with if possible?

assistant: Of course! What sort of issue is it?

user: I have done the same job for 7 years but it is now full and boring. It pays OK but it is all I know. I'm scared that I will get resentful in this job if I stay where I am but I haven't got a clue what to do for the best.

assistant: I see, so you feel that your position has become stagnant and you know longer take any pleasure in your work?

user: That's exactly it yes. The question is I don't have any official qualifications, just experience and I'd like a change of career but this scared me to death!

assistant: Are there any opportunities for advancement or retraining in your current position? Perhaps strive for a promotion?

user: Potentially yes but the position above me is not really like for me and I don't like the reporting line. I think I fancy a change but not quite sure how to tackle it. I need the income so can't just leave but also need to do something about it. do you understand the predicament?

assistant: Yes I do. I sympathise with you because it must be terrible to feel that you are stuck in something that you really no longer like and yet be afraid to try and change your situation. I am sure that there is some solution though!

user: Yeah meet too it's just finding a way where I can maybe stay where I am whilst exploring other opportunities to see what I'd like to do. It's a tough one.

assistant: Well, you will never know unless you take the plunge into the unknown! I do realise how difficult it is for you to do that though. Perhaps start putting out feelers to other companies? There is no harm in that.

user: Sue that's actually a good idea. No harm I suppose and my current employer would be none the wiser.

assistant: True! it would also be great for your self esteem to realise just how much more there is out there that you could be doing.

user: I know, it is a big world out there and I have been doing the same thing for so long. It is exciting but also quite unnerving. Is this normal?

assistant: Yes, there is nothing to worry about. Do you have any relevant qualifications that might help you find another job?

user: I have experience and I am pretty hard-working. I have also made quite a few connections over the past 7 years.

assistant: It all sounds very promising. If you think they'd not tell your boss why don't you talk to some of your connections and see if they can put you onto something better?

user: Yeah reaching out to my network is probably a good idea - as long as they keep the fact that I am looking for something else quiet. I'd state on Linked in that I'm looking for work but then everyone would know :-)

assistant: One other suggestion - it's a high risk strategy but do you think your boss might be sympathetic if you discussed this with him or her? You never know, they might even have some good suggestions - perhaps they feel the same!

user: Actually you might be right there. I should be able to open up about this and they should be supporting my development. Great suggestion. I think I'm overthinking things.

assistant: No I do not believe that you are overthinking at all. This is a very important aspect of your life and will shape your future!

user: Yes true thanks for your understanding

assistant: You are most welcome - I hope that I have been able to give you some peace of mind.

user: You have indeed, thanks for this conversation.

assistant: Please let me know how things go for you in the future - I am sure that in six months time things will be looking a lot brighter!

user: Will do, thanks again!