Believe me, I try to do all those things. But when you are getting screamed at every call, for 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, for 15 years, it really takes it's toll on you.

I liken it to rubbing sandpaper on your skin. It's not so bad at first, but when you keep rubbing that same spot, day after day, year after year, eventually it's gonna hurt and bleed.

I know I have it good, working for a stable company with great benefits, that pays well, and allows me to work at home. Believe me, I KNOW that. That is why this is so hard to deal with! I despise the work I do but can't give up the perks and benefits.

The job market in Chicago is terrible and there are virtually no IT jobs left. I cannot leave this job voluntarily. But it makes me wonder, what price is my health and sanity worth?

FYI most of my coworkers hate their job too, which is why they slack and why there is no morale. For example, this morning my coworker spent about 60 seconds running to the kitchen to get some coffee after getting off a very long and difficult call. Our boss immediately got on his case about taking breaks and being available for calls, and spent 20 minutes lecturing him about it. That 20 minutes was well spent, wasn't it?

Ugh. At least it's Friday. Not that it matters, because I spend all weekend thinking and worrying about going back on Monday.