How Does a Highly Sensitive Person Survive the Hell of the American Workplace?

[bhikkhu]

48. You get used to it

I still remember my first job, boxing donuts for customers, when I'd break out in a stress-sweat if there was more than one person in line, or if I had to fill a complicated order or deal with indecision. Then I worked nights at a convenience store - best time was 2am to 4 am, when it was just pushing a broom or restocking the cooler. It was always a challenge dealing with people. Then as a mechanic, fixing cars was fine, but dealing with customers took years to get the hang of. I worked in the office end of it for awhile, but there was only stress and no satisfaction - like having to put on a face all day long, and that was the work. I could never imagine how that was something real, and never felt the least bit secure that I was doing anything of value that I deserved to be paid for. Back to mechanics, I enjoyed working in a small shop by myself mostly, most at ease with a line of work in front of me and no distractions.

Now I work in a busy shop, elbow to elbow with a bunch of other guys, and plenty of personalities to deal with. The work is physically hard and mentally challenging, but its really the constant interaction is exhausting. But - its a good job, I do good work, the pay is very goods for my area, and I've gotten used to dealing with all sorts of people and managing the stress level.