“You are transferring out of my team? Ah, perhaps it’s a good idea. You’re not good enough to be here.”
“You’re rejecting the job offer? What’s wrong with you? Do you think anyone will hire you in the future?”
How do you deal with ‘rejection’?
Do you take it personally?
Do you use shame-based tactics to make the other feel bad because *you* cannot deal with rejection?
Has it occurred to you that it may have been difficult for the other party to make the decision?
And that it has NOTHING to do with you / your team / your company?
My current group of new volunteers started their #Samaritans training a few weeks ago, and we are getting deeper into what it means to be a listening volunteer.
We provide emotional support to our callers who are in distress, perhaps at a point where there is only one option to end the pain.
It isn’t easy, but it’s work that so deeply needed in our world today.
For a variety of reasons, sometimes our new trainees feel that they aren’t able to continue with the training. Many will have wrestled with not only making the decision, but how to break it to us.
I am always glad that they do, because it means that they feel safe enough to share what they feel; which is exactly what this is all about! ❤
Many come back years later, when they are in a different place in life that permits this voluntary work.
Learning how to listen is never a wasted endeavour.
You will learn so much about yourself, and those around you, and you will deepen those connections.
If you’re in a good place in your life, and you are interested in becoming a Samaritans volunteer – check out your local branch.
If you need a listening ear, someone who will be there to support you through the difficult time you’re facing – please call freephone 116 123 from the UK. Otherwise, email jo@samaritans.org
One of us will be there to answer your call.
And we want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone. 🌹
#OnThePeiroll
#SuicideAwareness
#ListeningVolunteer
