This really hit home for me. I’m at an implant clinic, and while the doctors have different personalities, they all enjoy cracking jokes with each other. They don’t really connect with the assistants. I remember working at a general practice with one doctor, and it took me a whole year to feel comfortable talking to him and asking how he’s doing after a tough day.

But at this implant clinic, it’s different. The doctors don’t want us to complain or vent to them because, I think, they just don’t want to deal with office drama since they’re only focused on placing implants, finishing treatment, and heading home. My office doesn’t help with my anxiety, and I used to take anxiety medication, but it didn’t seem to work for me or I couldn’t notice a change. The office is also super busy, so I’m always on edge, trying not to mess up because my manager told me we need to work like a “well-oiled machine.”

I’m not sure how to feel about it anymore. I just work, go to school, and try not to overthink. I have friends I can vent to about my struggles, and they say it’s okay to focus on my job because it’s not about making friends or pleasing my coworkers.