The Phone Became Heavy — How Constant Availability Drained Me

When I worked as a call agent, the phone was my constant companion. Calls, emails, messages — my entire world was one of constant communication. I was never truly “off.” While I was on a call, I could never fully relax. The feeling that I needed to be available at any moment created a constant sense of unease. Over time, this became more and more exhausting.

Daily Life as a Call Agent / Sales / Customer Contact

I was always in the role of the “problem solver” and “salesperson.” The constant pressure to make calls, generate new leads, and fulfill customer needs weighed heavily on me. My days were packed from start to finish — meetings, calls, deadlines. My to-do list grew relentlessly, and I rushed from one conversation to the next without really taking a moment to breathe.

What was hardest, though, was the feeling of constant availability. My phone was always within reach, and often, I’d check emails or take calls during breaks or even on weekends. Work slowly crept into my free time, into my moments of rest.

What It Did to Me Emotionally

The constant “need” to be available led to tremendous digital exhaustion. I felt like a robot, functioning but disconnected from myself. The joy I once found in my work faded, and instead, I felt an overwhelming sense of emptiness and overwhelm.

The boundaries between work and personal life blurred, and eventually, the phone didn’t feel like a tool anymore — it felt like a burden. I couldn’t enjoy the moment without constantly thinking about the next call or task.

The First Steps I Took

It was a long process, but I took some conscious steps to protect myself from this constant exhaustion:

• Times without my phone: I started to set specific times when I would not be available. During meals or after 7 p.m., I put my phone aside and went into “offline mode.”
• Conscious offline phases: I learned to take regular breaks, even if I felt like work was pressing. I went for walks, listened to music, or spent time without digital distractions to reconnect with myself.

• Prioritizing tasks: I began to clearly prioritize my tasks and no longer tried to do everything at once. It was crucial to regain control and focus on my health.

Final Thoughts

The constant pressure to be reachable and productive can drain us without us even realizing it. But we have control over our time, and we can intentionally create moments of respite to alleviate stress. Today, I make sure my life is not only about “doing” but also about “being.”

If this text touched you — feel free to share your story with me.
Or share it with someone who might need it right now.

Katerinaswelt 😺

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