Member-only story
I’d Rather Jump Off a Cliff Than Answer That Call
Living life on airplane mode
Have you ever broken out into a cold sweat when your phone started to ring?
Well, it’s a tad bit embarrassing because I have. My whole life.
Not a member? Read here.
I’m a texter. I can write paragraphs upon paragraphs of texts in WhatsApp but phone calls? Aha! That’s where my fight-or-flight response kicks in. Whenever my phone rings, the thought of who’s on the other side and what they’re going to say takes my breath away. And not in a good way.
Back in 2019, I was working as an in-house content writer for a small office. The HR had called in sick but the office was in the process of doing urgent hiring. My then-boss handed me and another senior colleague a list of people we needed to call. We had to work as acting HR for the day.
What an odd and out-of-the-blue request it was, like asking a cat to become a swimming instructor. The only silver lining was the promise of extra pay. I wanted to deny it. But I couldn’t. I had a hard time saying no during my early career days. (I think I still struggle with it but maybe it’s a teeny-tiny bit better?)
My heart almost jumped out of my chest as I dialed the first number.
