Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A few months ago I was an Executive Sales Representative for one of the largest enterprises worldwide. Today, I am alone and disconnected from everything and everyone. I am amazed that no one from my work environment has contacted me to say - "Hi, hope you are doing better"; or bluntly - "are you alive or dead? " I am not even taking this personally - I think it would be the same whoever else was in my place. When was it that employees became just a number - just an email address? Anyway, I don't know why I am surprised - I am totally convinced that there is something very dangerous happening in the workplace that will result in a lot more discarted, depressed people - like me. Depression in the workplace is becoming an epidemic. There must be a way to raise awareness to this reality.
Hi, Mina
I am a woman on the cusp of 65, working very part time for minimum wage in a mental health service where what I do is considered therapeutic--and it is, particularly as ageism makes it difficult to get full time work. It is part of my "mission" in life to "be there" for the other consumers/clients. I try to remember birthdays, talk to people, facilitate a peer support group, etc. Teaching English to recent immigrants is a link to brave, positive people. If possible, when you are feeling upbeat, exercise and walk all you can, nourish your social network, and make a pact with yourself to do something positive every day, to lift your own spirits and someone else's too!