Advice on Anxiety at a New Job

co-workers can be very complicated and unpleasant, same with bosses. i once got fired from a job (that advertised as strictly data entry and when i got there i found it was mostly phone work, which i never would have gone for!) because i sounded "too anxious" on the phone.

i'm sorry to say i don't have any good advice for you, but know that you're not alone in this struggle at all. noobies on the job are often the target of clique behavior. i'm pretty socially inept so i don't handle that well either. just stay strong in yourself.

As someone with anxiety who has worked at a grocery store, it gets better, or at least it should.

For me, I get anxious whenever I am in a new setting with new people and new responsibilities, over time this general anxiousness fades to the background and while not completely gone it's much more manageable. Perhaps its the same way for you?

I'd recommend getting to know the store layout, like where certain items are, and trying to memorize the behind the counter items like the cigarettes. As well as memorizing anything with a code that you have to type in because those are what take the longest to memorize.

When you aren't trying to remember layouts, codes, or where certain items are, keep yourself busy by tidying up displays or organizing counter space.

Also, if it helps, have routine ways of greeting customers! That always helped me because since I wasn't always having to think up new social greetings it was a lot less stressful to interact with the customers.

Hope this helps!

@reservedWriter782

Hello there, I am so sorry to hear that you got off to a rough start at your new job. I recently started my first job in retail and have social anxiety, so handling upset customers always bother me. Even after one month at the job, I still have my struggles. I am also sorry to hear about how your coworkers treated you especially since it was only your first day.

If you still have issues after awhile, definitely bring it up with your boss/ supervisor. Even if they cannot do anything about your anxiety, they should definitely know about the harassment you received (and if you continue to receive it). Also, remember it is only your first day! Everybody starts out rough on their first day. See each issue as a learning experience; next time it comes up, you'll know how to handle it in the future. In the long run, it is up to you whether you want to stick with the job or not and if you have the confidence to do so. I wish you all the best, and if you ever want to talk, feel free to contact me or any other listener. :)

Hey there 😊 It's sad that people act this way especially to new people in the workplace.

Just don't think that it's your fault, new employees are often a target for the "simpletons" I guess that's their sick entertainment. It will get better as you learn the ins and outs of the business, there have been some good suggestions given here about learning the job.

I know it's not easy, I've been in similar situations a few times and it definitely is unpleasant especially for those of us who suffer from anxiety. Try not to show them that they are getting to you(easier said than done I know) but shrug it off and things will work out as they should. I wish you well and remember that you're not alone the people here understand and are here for you.

Bless you 🙏🏻

Brian

Hi everyone. Thanks for all of the responses. Things have gotten a little better since I understand how everything works, and know where everything is. It is still very challenging though, and I doubt I'll be at this job much longer. Dealing with such large amounts of people for nine hours a day is just something I won't be able to handle for much longer.

I'm trying to remain positive and stick it out until the new year starts.