Emotion: shame
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I'm sad that my job is not fulfilling and I feel like I am wasting my life.

assistant: Hello, my name is Sharon, how are you today?

user: Hello. I am sad because my job is not rewarding. It is a dead-end job and I feel shameful anymore. I don't like talking about my job with anyone since it is so pointless. Hi Sharon. I'm Larry.

assistant: Hi Larry. What sort of job do you do?

user: I am a maintenance supervisor in a manufacturing facility.

assistant: I have had jobs that seemed pointless as well. I was a sales assistant in a store constantly waiting for customers, it was boring! Just a paycheque with no fulfillment. I found it depressing as well. So it sounds like you are finding no point to going in to work, and it's making you feel sad, am I correct?

user: Yes that is a very good summary of what is going on. And I am glad to see you can relate. While I am lucky to not work in sales since I know those jobs are extremely tough but the lack of reward is all the same.

assistant: Are there other jobs available in your area that you could apply for that are more up your alley?

user: I have not seen anything worth jumping ship for. I am afraid of the old adage of the grass always looks greener from the other side of the fence. Meaning I leave this job and only find a worse job.

assistant: I see., yes that could be a risk for sure.have you spoken to your manager to see if there may be other opportunities in the manufacturing facility for you? I bet they would rather retrain you for a different position than lose you.

user: Unfortunately there are no other positions at the place I work. Yes my boss is very well aware of how unhappy I am. He is also unhappy and has been looking for jobs too. It isn't that great of a place to work at. I have had 3 different friends leave my place of employment, I've just been to lazy to leave too. It's a catch 22, too lazy to leave but due to feeling sad from being here I don't have the energy to try to leave.

assistant: Yes I can understand that. Sadness and depresion can lead one to feel depleted and lacking motivation to make change. I have been depressed and lacking motivation in the past, I remember how it felt.

user: Yes, I see a psychologist and she does her best to help me but ultimately it is up to me to make the changes I need to in life.

assistant: Is there anything about your position that you could suggest improving to your boss, to make your job more interesting? Maybe some ideas you may have for streamlining the work or somethings? I'm glad to hear you have someone to talk to about it. Over time as you keep working on it I hope things will improve for you.

user: I've spoke things over with my boss, he has tried a few things. Currently we are in a holding pattern due to some upper management changes and we are awaiting to see how the new manager would like to run things.

assistant: oh I see. Do you have hobbies outside of work that you find fulfilling?

user: I have been slacking on that too. Just don't find pleasure in anything anymore. Now that it is spring time though hopefully that changes.

assistant: Lets hope the new manager improves things for you, it sounds like there is a ray of hope there! Yes it's hard to get started on anything when we are down. I remember writing lists with very small goals on them. Small goals feel like mountains when we are down! Then I would work my way through that very short list and check things off if I could do them, which gave me a small lift of accomplishment.

user: I should start writing lists. I know that is a great tool for helping.

assistant: Lets hope the new manager can improve things. And your work with the psychologist is very positive, it's great you reached out for help, that is a strength. You've spoken with your boss. You are doing all the right things.

user: Thank you for the encouragement .

assistant: you're very welcome, it's been a pleasure talking with you Larry.

user: Thank you for your help Sharon. Have a good day.