u/strangerthlngz

I’ve known it’s somewhat part of the gig since starting and having to observe others during training, but perhaps now as the only ECT on my shift, and my sups knowing I’m going to be on phones the full 12, a day doesn’t go by without them bringing one of either an intern, trainee, applicant, or deputy to sit and observe me.

I know it’s not the observers’ choice to be put with me, so I always make sure to be friendly and informative with them. I just can’t shake the feeling that I’m sort of being taken advantage of at this point, as this has never been part of the job description.

I guess I’m asking… AITAH?

It’s funny, I’ve worked 911 dispatch for the past year, and I really don’t get much anxiety from handling life-or-death calls.

You’d think getting that exposure would’ve helped reduce my social anxiety.

Maybe it has…

Perhaps I’m less anxious in certain settings than I once was.

But at my core, I’m still the same person I’ve always been.

I tremble and fold during big interviews.

I avoid social events when it’s not with people who I’m 100% comfortable with.

I’m unable to stand up and present in front of large audiences.

And I continue feeling like an imposter trying to sound intelligent in any conversation that I have.

If a year of 911 dispatching hasn’t changed any of that, I’m not sure what ever could.

I know. Completely unrelated to the job.

But I’ve discovered recently just how strained my voice has become from the sheer amount of talking being a 911 dispatcher requires, especially on phones.

I’m unfortunately no longer able to hit high notes when singing without my voice cracking.

I had a bad illness in January and completely lost my voice. I had to take a day off of work and the first day back it started rough then somehow came back throughout the shift, but perhaps that specific shift did some long-term damage.

Either that or the day-to-day wear and tear has caught up to me.

So yeaaaa, anyone have tips for taking care of your voice in a job like this?