Hey guys, idk if this is appropriate for this subreddit but lately, I've been so burnt out to the point of quitting. I love my job, I have a good position, schedule, staff and managers, but something happened in the last few months and I would say 15-20% of my customers had something major happen that was not for the better, ones that we actually know and care about. Then I would say almost half of the customers that walk through the door just vent to me about their life. I used to be able to take it well, but it's so many people so often idk if I can do it anymore.

How do you deal with empathy burn out? I'm incredibly empathetic and social, but for the first time in my life I come home not wanting to socialize, friends and family are starting to worry.

And also, at what point do you draw the line with listening to customers? I had one day where back to back I had 4 customers talk to me for 20 minutes about their medical issues, after purchase and not in ways that helped me help them. One talked to me for 2 hours straight one day. Another ranted to me 45 minutes after we closed. I just need a way to get people to stop.

Appreciate any advice 🙏

Edit: thank you all so much for the advice! I got some much information than I ever thought I would 💜 you guys are fucking rockstars