As my son would say....me three. I am just like this at times. I have this weird thing about phone calls. I don't like to make them, I don't like to answer the phone, I don't like talking on the phone period, so I try to avoid it at all costs. Only I am not just like this about important calls. I don't even like to talk to the water company on the phone if I don't absolutely have to. My mom was the exact same way only I didn't find that out until after she died. Crazy. But anyway.....what helps me is to call somebody that I AM comfortable talking to, and then after that call, for whatever reason, I have more confidence and I am able to make the other calls I need to make. If your main concern is not the phone calls themselves but the fear of being rejected, that is just something you are going to have to be brave and deal with. When I deal with situations like that, I always expect to be rejected and for some reason that makes it easier to handle. Probably not the best advice to give when you are trying to encourage people to have a positive attitude, but sometimes you have to go with what works. And for me, I usually expect the worst and for some reason that makes certain situations easier to deal with.

I think if you can look at as, you can't be in any worse shape job wise by answering the phone. Even if you answer and they tell you you don't get the job, you didn't have it to begin with. Chances are though these days if they're taking the time to call they either want to hire you or schedule an interview. If you have to let it go to voice mail then give yourself permission to do that, but then listen to the vm and challenge yourself to call back while they're open. I get kind of freaked out about phone calls too, if I don't recognize the number I usually let it go to vm that way I have more control over it, and if I need to think about what I"m going to say I can before I call. ((hugs)) hang in there!

Hey...I can't stand the phone either! I guess I need the nonverbal info you get face to face. And I'm always so pleased when I find someone willing to communicate via e-mail. That sure sounded like good advice, about making a comfortable call first. Just an idea, but maybe if you dressed for the workplace...you could put on your business persona. I never had trouble with the phone at work...only home. Your fears are reasonable...rejection is really rough for everyone. Think about people like coachs, who get fired all the time. You have to find that one right situation...and sometimes it takes alot of looking. Remember, interviews are two way. My suggestion for an attitude is to know what you want, but to be humble/willing to learn. This time in your life is particularly about sorting out your best fit with society...make the most of the time...with gusto! Feel Better!

Joanna, believe it or not, I was a medical receptionist for 7 years! lol I did nothing but answer phones for 8 hours a day! And at work, I could talk all day long and it didn't bother me a bit. I think it is like you said....I knew the people were talking to my business...not to "me".

Thank you all sooo much for the good advice! Really helps a lot, I just need to be more comfortable about it. I'm glad I'm not the ony one with this issue!

Whenever I am afraid of a situation, I voluntarily experience in my mind whatever it is I am afraid of before it actually happens. I then proceed with the task at hand and the fear diminishes. In your situation, voluntarily experience receiving that phone call before it actually happens. Imagine that the phone rings, you answer the phone and you are told that the position is filled. Emrace whatever it is you are feeling and allow the fear to diminish. When the actual phone call happens, you have already experienced the worst case scenario. I hope my advice is helpful.

I am having the same problem trying to find some work at home job. Due to my anxiety I have a hard time keeping jobs.

I also hate answering the phone! Or making calls, unless it is to someone I know. I always let it go to voicemail unless it's urgent. I agree with the suggestion to visualize it before you do it. That way, you experience it in your mind, and feel the emotions you might feel if it isn't a good phone call. That way, if you get bad news, you are already prepared to deal with it. It helps me. In a lot of situations this works. Also, the way I handle these types of things is to just act. Like you may not be feeling great, or confident, but you just pretend. You don't know the people on the other end of the line...any type of decision they made is not a judgement of your character. My dad always said...Fake it til you make it :) Good luck! I'm also looking for a job, so we're in the same boat.

I like the idea of visualizing the situation, I hope it helps! And thank you all for your support :) I like the saying fake till you make it!