It's happened

[athelstanent]

I pride myself on doing my job well. I also work hard to have the correct attitude and thoughts. After 12 years in a help desk role, I finally snapped. Some one hung up and I thought "It's because your stupid."

This entire time I've been helping people with computers I've never assumed or thought that it was there fault they were having problems.

I don't know what to do with myself. I feel so dirty because I've thought ill of someone else.

Is it any wonder I get so wonked up with my emotions? I can't allow myself to have any negative feelings about other people, how can I expect to have normal emotional responses to myself?

Comments

[anthrorabbit.livejournal.com]

That's a long time to go. You should be proud of that. Most people don't last a year before they think it and then say it, usually to a customer.

[bookherd.livejournal.com]

Wow, you'd make an awesome reference librarian! :) Read togodog's comment again, please, because that's just about what I would have said if s/he hadn't said it first (and better).

[granbear.livejournal.com]

Sometimes people are stupid. Not at everything and all the time, I'm a believer that everyone has their skills and talents. But yeah it happens so deal with it. Heck I know I can be particular daft on occasion, just you know..don't make it a habit that I see in some techs that they automatically assume everyone else is stupid and work from that premise:)

RTFM happens

[ghostbehr.livejournal.com]

Well I have been there and been yelled at, hung up on, and sworn at. Admittedly that was back when I was supporting some really crappy products that never should have made it out of QA, but the fact is that stupid users and angry users are common. I don't know what you said or how you said it, but whatever it was just let it go. If you feel that you were rude to the person on the phone, call them back and apologize. You might be surprised how well a little contrition on your part will go over.

As for the dealing with stupid people bugs you, try developing strategies to educate them. Sometimes some humor helps when dealing with people who are very nervous. Other times an analogy to something less threatening than technology is good. The key thing is to never let them think that you know they are a CFM, and just be polite. A mute button is also a great tool if you just have to vent. Putting them on hold for a minute while you do :research" can also be a good way to regain your balance.

Anyhow, just remember that you are not a god and that one of the things about being human is that you make mistakes. If you can remember that and admit your mistake when they occur you will be fine.

[aaroncity.livejournal.com]

You're doing better then I did. Probably because all the places I've worked at, the whole "the user is stupid" reasoning was pretty common.

Though I've only ever told someone that once. Now I measure the time between profanity-laden tirades down in the tek room.