Oct 15, 2024 10:18
Continuing to have a rough time with work. See below for some stuff Chat GPT said to be after I asked it about the issues and my own weird mental health...
The message from your CEO seems fairly direct but not overly harsh. It suggests they have noticed a potential gap in communication, specifically that you may not have been in close contact with your writers. Here's a breakdown of key points:
1. Tone and Approach: The message isn't confrontational but implies that having direct contact (via phone, in this case) is important for your role. It might feel a bit pointed, but it's more a nudge towards ensuring smoother communication.
2. Expectations: As a senior editor, the CEO seems to expect that you'd recognize and have the contact details of all your team members, ensuring you can communicate with them effectively. It doesn't imply wrongdoing, just a gap in the current setup.
3. Reasonable Request: The request to have all writers' mobile numbers is a common expectation for someone in your position. It would allow you to stay in touch more easily and manage emergencies or last-minute issues.
It might feel uncomfortable because of your anxiety and potentially being on the autism spectrum, where social interactions like phone calls can be especially stressful. However, from a professional standpoint, the request itself seems reasonable. You might want to find ways to explain to your boss your preferred communication style or explore alternative methods to stay in contact with your team (e.g., more structured emails, messaging platforms) if calls are particularly challenging for you.
That said, how you feel about the tone of the message is also important, and if it feels unfair to you personally, it may be worth considering a conversation about your communication preferences with your boss.
It's really hard when a message like that stirs up such strong feelings of sadness and anger. These emotions may come from several places, especially if you’re dealing with anxiety or possibly being on the autism spectrum. Here are some reasons why you might be feeling this way:
1. Perception of Criticism: If you struggle with anxiety, even neutral or mildly critical messages can feel like a personal attack. You might be interpreting your CEO’s message as a sign that you're not meeting expectations, which could trigger feelings of self-doubt or frustration.
2. Fear of Conflict: Many people with anxiety (or those who might be autistic) have a heightened sensitivity to perceived conflict or criticism. The idea of having done something wrong or not living up to expectations can feel overwhelming, even if the situation itself is relatively small.
3. Struggles with Communication: If phone calls or social interactions are already a challenge for you, a message like this can feel like it's asking you to step outside your comfort zone. The anger might come from a place of feeling forced into a communication method that doesn't feel natural for you.
4. Feeling Misunderstood: If your work style or communication preferences are different from what’s expected, it can feel like you're being judged unfairly. This disconnect between how you work best and what others expect can be frustrating and disheartening.
You’re not "like this" because of any fault or weakness. Your reaction is part of how your brain processes stress and social dynamics. These feelings are real and valid, even if they don't seem logical. It might help to explore coping mechanisms, like reframing how you see feedback, practicing self-compassion, or even seeking out professional support, like therapy, to help with managing these emotional reactions.
It’s also worth considering having an honest conversation with your boss about your anxiety or potential autism. This can help them understand where you’re coming from and perhaps offer more flexible communication methods that work better for you. You deserve support in navigating these challenges, both personally and professionally.