Anyone here suffer from claustrophobia?

[nomadd]

Not sure why I haven't posted this before, but here goes..

Am I the only contractor who suffers from claustrophobia? It's pretty bad with me - I hate lifts. It's so bad it's actually cost me a few contracts over the years!

I've got two interviews lined up next week (both Investment Banking) and I'm already "carping" myself about them. It's not the interviews that matter - I've never had an issue with those in the 20 years I've been contracting - but it's the buildings and their lifts.

TBH, things have got so bad I always mention it now to agencies before they put my details forward, as I don't want to waste anyone's time. But you know what agents are like... Had the first technical telephone interview with one of the clients today: went well, hence they want to see me in person next week. So when the agent calls, I say "You did mention my claustrophobia to them and that I won't use lifts - you know, like I told you to, several times?" Turns out he hadn't. Why am I not surprised...?

Anyway, after pushing the agent to inform them, it now seems they are on the 7th floor. Not an issue for me, I don't mind using the stairs. But I'm wondering if this "oddity" of mine will blow it with the client? What to do...? What to do...?

Anyone else got any similar career-killing problems? ...Apart from alcoholism, hic!

Nomadd

[TimberWolf]

What happens if you force yourself into a lift?

[nomadd]

What happens if you force yourself into a lift?

Panic attack! I usually manage to contain it, but it's not a pleasant experience.

Nomadd

[HairyArsedBloke]

The lifts are the least of your problems. What about going on the Underground during rush hour twice a day?

I'm too afraid to go on it anymore.

[nomadd]

The lifts are the least of your problems. What about going on the Underground during rush hour twice a day?

I'm too afraid to go on it anymore.

Used it for the first 6 months I was in London, 20 years ago. Never, ever again. I won't go near it.

I've always motorcycled to work since.

Nomadd

[Zippy]

I used to really hate lifts (feeling faint, hanging on to the walls etc.). I gradually got better but still don't like them. You don't have to use them when you get the job - just tell everyone you are on a health kick so will be using the stairs.
When you go for the interview and you have to use the lift, just keep eye contact with your 'escort' and make small talk (god the traffic, weather is awful etc)

Good luck!

[TimberWolf]

I would just keep practising going in lifts. They are totally safe, except in the event of a fire.

[minestrone]

You should really speak to your GP about cognitive behavioral therapy. It will help.

I have a very bad fear of heights, I find it traumatic walking beside tall buildings, I once had to go up a lift 24 floors for an interview in Sydney. Nearly pissed myself.

[HairyArsedBloke]

I would just keep practising going in lifts. They are totally safe, except in the event of a fire.

Or the work of the devil.

[bogeyman]

I didn't think I suffered from claustrophobia, until I tried caving.

Try being stuck in a tight, wet crawl space about 22 inches high and 15 yards long, 300 feet underground, with a million tons of solid limestone above you, with your dithering instructor's boots stuck right in front of your face, and your own boots stuck in the face of some bloke behind, who is panicking, with yet another bloke behind him

I decided caving wasn't for me. I couldn't even put my head under the duvet for months afterwards without feeling decidedly panicky.