Anxiety attack at work - I think I'm quitting my job
 

I'm a junior paralegal for an extremely busy personal injury firm. All junior paralegals help cover the receptionist for lunch and breaks. We rotate by week and last week was mine.

Friday, during the receptionist's lunch, I just couldn't keep up. They phones were really busy. There were people coming in and out for depositions, people needing things, etc. Lunch is an especially hard time to cover because a lot of the support staff is out for lunch and no one is answering their extension. They really need a second phone operator, the phones are so busy. It was absolute chaos.

To make a long story short, I was crazy-stressed anyway and ended up in tears by the time the receptionist came back. I went to the ladies' room and had a full-blown anxiety attack. Hyperventilating and everything. It hurt. I took off early to go home. On my way home, it happened again and was so awful I had to pull off the road.

I called my fiance. I was in such bad shape, he thought I needed the hospital. I got myself together eventually and went on home.

We've been talking it over and I think I'm quitting my job. I'm going to put in my notice on Monday. We can afford it. We'll have to cut back some, but not too drastically. I may get a part time job, something less stressful.

I have a commute that's been taking me 2 hours one way, traffic has been so bad. I barely see my daughter these days.

I guess I just wanted to get that off my chest and get reassurance that I'm doing the right thing.

If you read all this, bless you. :love

I'm sorry it has been so awful. I'm glad you are able to leave and still be okay.

a 2 hour commute would give me anxiety too.

i hope you find something fun and part time.

:grope Enjoy being at home. When you're ready maybe something near your home with open up.

I'm so sorry. I had something similar in July and I can relate to the crappy commute. While you're at home, consider the other options left. Are you in some type of therapy?

Good Lord that sound stressful and a 2 hour commute to boot. Fuck that. :lol

2 hours Wow, no wonder you're stressed! I'm glad you're in a position to leave.

Make sure you see your GP to get some help. Anxiety attacks really suck.

Anxiety disorder is no picnic, and a 2 hour commute would send anyone into a tail-spin. (Namely ME!) :paranoia

I hope you find another job closer to home that isn't a pressure cooker. :)

Jeez the two hour one way commute just in itself would make me want to quit! I'm sorry it has been so stressful and I think if you can quit and make it work and feel it's the right thing to do you should do it.

I put in my notice last Monday. My last day is this Friday. I'm excited and freaked out at the same time. :lol

I've been battling depression and anxiety for years. I've been on medication for it, which helped me a ton but lately I just haven't felt as well. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist, but she can't get me in until the 20th.

My boss asked if I'd be interested in coming back on a contract basis on weekends that I don't have my daughter. That makes me feel better. I'll at least have a little income. And it's kind of nice to know they still want me there. :lol

Good for you, blue, you made a good, healthy choice. How nice of your boss to offer p/t. :D

That sounds fair, I think and will give you a chance to keep some income while you make your transition.

Take some time off to be with you kids, then find something simple, part time and less stressful. :ITA