Ever since I started my new job answering crisis calls, I have been inundated with questions like, “Why would you do that type of work?, “Did you give up writing?” and my favorite, “Are you having financial problems?”. All of these are very invasive questions. I don’t go around asking shit like that because well, it is none of my business.
Here is my truth. No, I didn’t give up writing. Did you know that you can do more than one thing to give your life purpose? WHAT??? Apparently, these individuals have not grasped that concept. As far as my financial status, stay in your lane. But if I was looking for a pot of gold at the end of this job’s rainbow, this is not the career choice. I make less now than I did when I was freelance writing. My favorite is when I get the confused looks on why I would voluntarily put myself on the phone with individuals in crisis. I am doing this because it feeds my soul.
To be fair, this job is not all rainbows and butterflies. My task is to listen and guide. Allowing the caller the dignity to come to their own solutions. It looks different for everyone. We have frequent flyers who just like to call and connect. One caller told me his anxiety is better after he smokes crack. My response has been, “I am so glad you found something that works for you”. It is not my job to fix them or suggest that smoking crack is bad. Nope, my job is to actively listen.
Active listening is an art. It is the ability to simply focus on the other person and their words. It is the practice of not being in my head thinking of the next thing to say, but rather investing my energy into another person’s needs. It is selfless. When we truly hear each other, it is the highest form of respect and consideration. The more I do this job, the more I realize how little we truly hear one another.
This job is an ever-evolving journey that is teaching me a lot about myself and our mental health situation. Sometimes we are the only connection our callers have as they are lonely and have no support. It is humbling, educational, and revealing.
For those with inquiring minds, being of service is my why.
Recent Comments