The need for validation these people have every day is exhausting. I work in a small shop where we have to constantly collaborate and there is no free time except when you’re in the bathroom. Breaks and working is casual, even when we are busy we still have room to talk..I just prefer not to be emotionally drained by boss and coworkers each time I come into work because they don’t know how to stop unloading. I’ve been clear about my disinterest, openly disagree (non confrontational), also the fact I never share a single thing about myself. It’s just response fillers to get them to stop taking “yup, yeah, oh wow, damn that sucks” Blatantly ignoring them trying to “focus” on work. It doesn’t matter what approach I take..they genuinely have a serious insecurity problem with over sharing. It’s not even workplace banter..it’s just personal info all the time. I don’t get paid enough for this shit and not in the position to pick up and leave. At this point I’m just disengaged and on autopilot to prevent myself from spiraling. I have mental illnesses of my own..but I know how to cope for the most part..this shit is just far more draining than it needs to be. Trying to not be affected by it but yeah when I work with these specific people all of my personality goes away..to a point where I’ve had panic attacks from being overloaded with there bs. I’ve been direct, passive, passive aggressive. I live in Oklahoma and these mfs are too brain dead to get any kind of hint or direct message. Anybody have any fun tricks for protecting emotional energy?
Edit: plz don’t say podcasts or headphones it’s not allowed in my environment…always have to be on our feet