I WFH for a private sector company that is contracted by the DWP. I usually work in UC reviews. Very good at my job, hit all my targets, get results, well liked by manager and colleagues.
Company was offering staff from my dept a month's contract on the UC helpline during April. Offered an extra £500 on top of usual pay. So I took it, who wouldn't? I knew that it would be challenging, but I never expected it to be so fucking stressful, and to get so much abuse!
Had a week's training last week (which honestly for the stuff we're supposed to know and do was abominable). Went live on the phonelines today, and I ended up having a bloody massive panic attack after my first call.
Like hyperventilating, couldn't stop crying. I've done call centre work before, I'm not afraid of conflict, but JFC! The way I was spoken to, I couldn't take it. There was no way I could go back on the phone. Messaged my (new and old manager) to explain, ending up crying down the phone to both of them.
Asked if I could just come back to my old job, and give up on the extra money. They spoke to the higher ups and the answer is basically no. Work on the phone lines for the next month or else.
I told my manager I'd end up having to call in sick, there's no way I can do it. I get upset just thinking about getting back on the phonelines. I'm not the only person who has reacted this way. There's quite a few others who hate it and just want to go back to old role.
This isn't a permanent move we're supposed to go back to old job in May. But now I'm stuck, I either endure the phone lines for the next month and just let my mental health decline rapidly or ring in sick. And I'm worried I'll lose my job entirely if I ring in sick for the next month!
If I'd known how fucking awful it was going to be I'd never have signed up for it! Lots of other people feel they were misled, too. What do I do? I've only been there for 7 months so they can easily sack me.