I’ve been a dental assistant for about 5.5 years and I honestly hate it now. I used to work at this office before, quit, then came back in January thinking things would be better, but it’s been one of the most emotionally draining experiences I’ve had.
Me and my coworker do not get along at all. We barely even speak to each other. There’s no teamwork, the environment feels tense every day, and I constantly feel like I’m walking on eggshells worried she’s going to complain about me or “snitch” on me for something small. I feel completely excluded in the office.
The last time we argued, I cried, and the doctor told me she would be leaving in 30 days. Now I found out she’s actually not leaving, and I feel mentally exhausted all over again.
What makes this harder is that I actually really love my doctor. He’s been good to me, invited me to his wedding, and I need a recommendation letter from him for school, so I feel trapped. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would’ve left already. But it’s literally just me and this coworker working together all day and I cannot take her attitude anymore. She’s rude, passive aggressive, controlling, and the environment feels unbearable.
I’m also a mom, so I feel like I can’t just walk away without a plan. My anxiety has gotten so bad that I had to start therapy. I’m depressed even on weekends because all I can think about is having to go back there. I’m also in school, and I failed my second semester because this job has taken such a toll on my mental health and motivation.
At this point I don’t even feel passionate about dental anymore. I don’t feel motivated to work, study, or do anything. I feel stuck because I need money, stability, and that recommendation letter, but I cry almost every day before or after work.
I’ve also started looking for call center jobs because I just need something different that feels less emotionally draining, even if it’s temporary while I figure things out.
My boyfriend is supportive of any decision I make, but I still feel overwhelmed trying to figure out the right move.