Fear of Getting a Job
Hello, I finished college just over a month ago and am taking a year out before going to university because, I don't really know what I want to do with my life at the moment - but that's a problem for another time... I need to start looking for a job soon but, I am terrified! I want to work and earn my own bread and butter for the first time in my life but, I suffer from social anxiety that makes it difficult to leave the house much less be around people for 8 hours a day. I am terrified of people. I don't know how to talk to anyone. I struggle to understand what's expected of me. I am scared of being told off or failing someone. Just to list a few of my worries... Does anyone have any advice to overcome these thoughts while job hunting and hopefully, when I eventually find work? Thanks.
I can relate.I'm a working adult though. How I managed was to think of job interviews as tests to prepare for. I applied for jobs which didn't require dealing with people. I work in IT. Job interviews were hell but I forced myself because I needed to work. Sorry, I've no solid advice.
You can't be outside for more than 8 hours??? You should think about look for help (besides a little job) I mean. You are young. When you finish the university you will have a real job. And you will not find anything under 8 hours. (That's why I hate to work, LOL.) you need to start loosing that fear. Im a little bit antisocial. I hate when people talk to me, but I can stand it. If you really have a huge fear to speak, go and look for help. That's a real problem, you'll be fine. :)
The average job is 9 -5, which is eight hours. :) I know better jobs are probably longer but, I just need a regular job for the year so the most I'll likely be working is 8 hours or so. I think I worded my post wrong though, I never meant that I can't be out for 8 hours at all. I can depending in why I am out, where I am and who I am with. I just struggle to go out in the first place. :c Thanks for your kind words though. :)
Another thing... Is soooo good that you will take your time to think about it. I'v never skiped a year or anythig. I start the university just after finishing highschool. Now I'v finish everything and I hate what I do. I wish I'v studied something else...
I can completely relate to this! I'm sorry to hear how fearful you are. I currently am in university and have avoided getting a job as long as possible. Now I have just enough money to get me through the summer and relying on scholarships for the school year and a loan. It's horrible, I don't know how to get through it myself either. I am going to start therapy which will hopefully help me a little bit and maybe an anxiety med which I'm very debatable about. But until then I kind of wear a mask. I basically try and cover up all of my feelings and paste a smile on my face and repeat its going to be ok or it's going to get better with deep breaths. I think of how someone else would act in that situation and try and mimick that until I can finally get comfortable in my own skin and in the situation. I don't think that is all that great but it works for now ..
I am sorry that you're in a similar situation and I hope that therapy helps. Hope the summer goes okay for you too! I like your idea of deep breaths and telling yourself that it'll be okay. I'll that sometime. C:
It's great that you've come here for support. This is an exciting and daunting time in life for anyone, even without adding social anxiety to the mix. I've taught a lot of first-year university students who didn't really know what they wanted to do, so I think it's an excellent idea to take some time out.
As for managing your job anxiety, it sounds like finding the right fit will be really important. From what you've said, something without too much social contact where there are clear expectations and not too much pressure would be ideal. If you can afford to be selective, consider what kind of environment you might be most successful in (perhaps you feel calmer outdoors, or when you're working with computers and can focus in on a screen and block out the people around you).
If taking on a job feels overwhelming, volunteering can be a good way to get more experience (in both work skills and socialising). However you decide to approach this challenge, take it one day or one moment at a time. Good luck!