Just started a new job where I have to talk!!! Been a rough two days.
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Just started a new job where I have to talk!!! Been a rough two days. My voice problem isn't exactly a stutter - my voice just cracks and disappears, especially on certain vowel sounds, and most noticeably over the phone or any time I'm recorded (I can't even talk to Alexa, she commonly misunderstands me). I've had this problem at varying degrees for over 20 years, and I've gone to speech conferences, had an endoscopy, and even went to a hypnotist (nothing worked). I'm not even diagnosed. It's been explained as a social disorder. Closest possibility is muscle tension dysphonia. I've been out of work for 9 months since Covid, and I just got hired as a receptionist. I can't answer the phone, I can't page people that have phone calls, and I can't use the walkie-talkie (all things that are part of my job). I can't even greet people who walk in. I have to try all these tips and tricks and clear my throat and use different words to get my voice to work. Eventually I can work through my problem and talk (I had a great interview), but it takes a while and it's so upsetting. I feel like a fraud, like my boss is going to say "You can't even answer the phone - we made a mistake in hiring you." My mom thinks I should tell them, but I've been so embarrassed by this issue, and I hate to say anything and look like I'm asking for sympathy. I just want to work though it. Hopefully as I get more comfortable at work I'll be better.