[wookiegoldfur]

Unless it's a family member calling me, I can't answer the phone or make a call if other people are in the room (even if it's my mom that's in the room). I have to run to my room and close the door behind me (sometimes I'll lock it). I dread answering the phone. At my former job whenever the phone rang i left it for my coworkers the answer if they were around. But it got the the point where I had to answer and I hated it.

Anyway, I got a new job at natural grocers a couple days ago (which I love), but I have to learn how to answer the phone and use the intercom. I AM TERRIFIED. I successfully avoided doing it during my last shift by running away from my trainer when she'd ask me to answer it, but she's going to make me do it during my next shift. I've been having anxiety just over the thought of it. Honestly, I could cry right now. I can say I've struggled with some social anxiety as far as speaking "face to face" with a stranger (quotations because I barely make eye contact), but I've had to deal with it. I for sure have a public speaking fear. Presenting projects at school scared me so badly that I would visible be shaking and my voice would crack so badly you could hardly understand it.

How do I get over my phone fear without panicking and making a fool of myself?

[Crazy Hitch]

(((wookie)))

We all have different things that terrify us.

I am glad that you enjoy the new job that you are starting at the natural grocer.

It's important that you do something that you enjoy.

Learning how to answer the phone and intercom is a skill that you can learn.

Just as you will learn the art of your responsibilities; so too you can learn the art of answering the phone and using the intercom.

I don't believe you can keep running away from answering the phone to be honest; not if this is a part of the job.

It is something you are going to learn how to do.

With assistance.

You can learn how to do this.

You will need to give your trainer the opportunity to learn how to use the phone.

And give it a go.

If it is a requirement of the job then I am not sure how you are going to dodge this one?

Just have standard lines that you learn.

A bit like an actor.

Think of it as a play.

It's not "you" the person answering the phone.

It is you the employer of the grocer store answering the phone.

There is a MASSIVE difference.

You are not taking the call to tell people what you did on the weekend etc if you are at work.

This is strictly professional.

This is different.

They are phoning to ask something that will be directly related to something at your work.

So you have to put your "Work Thinking Cap On".