I'm somewhat new to this - sorry I haven't introduced myself earlier...not even sure the proper way as I prefer to keep my identity to myself. After reading some postings I'm very thankful to so many of you out there - I really find these postings very helpful whereas before I never would have thought I would ever go here (more for the reason that I usually just don't have the time for it). OK - the reason for posting:
I have a problem at work (I now believe is an outside stressor) causing me an enormous amount of anxiety resulting in negative self talk because I cannot find a solution to the problem which affects my work and my family life. What do you do when you have a person who volunteers their time to help in the office only to come into your office and incessantly talks away your precious time as you try to meet deadlines and race against the clock to get mountains of work done? No matter what I say ("I've gotta get back to work" or "I've got to get this done within the hour") or what I do (continue working as she is talking) she will continue to go on and on and on and on....for hours!!! (no kidding!) My boss sides with her as he loves to talk and joke with her as well and this has become just another thing to joke about (he jokes - we're paying for her therapy) ... fyi: we are not in that business. As a paid secretary I feel that people are counting on me to get the work done and so I end up staying for hours after the office is closed just to keep up with the demands - it is not easy trying to concentrate on doing your work while someone is forever talking without hardly taking a breath - and literally - I time her ... it can and most often does take up 2 and 1/2 hours of my time! And thats only when she "works" mornings! This not only causes me much anxiety at work but also for my family since I'm not there many evenings during the week. So what am I doing wrong here??? How do I make this person stop before I go insane??!???!?
outside stressor causing much anxiety and negative self talk
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Guest
Hi mountaingal...This is a tough one. Have you just tried to be honest with her. What I mean is have you said to her...I'd love to talk with you but I cant, I need to concentrate on my work so I won't need to stay after work. I know it is sometimes hard to be that blunt with people since some of us find it hard to be confrontational. This kind of prob is extremely irritating I know, and anxiety producing. In the mean time do your best not to let her upset you. I know that will be hard, but remember you will only be hurting yourself. I hope I have helped you a at least a little bit. Good luck to you.
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Guest
Your very welcome for the adivice. I hope that it works for you.