Howdy. I acquired a 40 hour work week job today. It's for the city's Park & Rec. department. They're running a fitness program for kids 6-12, and I'm one of the leaders. It's right down the street from me, so I can walk everyday. I'm working with my cousin as well. We focus on nutrition, exercise, etc. We take fieldtrips, too. We're going kyaking [sp?], we go to my old middle school's pool every Friday, rollerskating, and to NYC to see the Rocketts. I took the job because A] I need to get out of the house and have somewhat of a life, and B] I need money for driving school, auto insurance and my trip to Costa Rica & Panama next year. I get paid every Friday with a decent check, plus because it's a city job, I might be able to start a pension. So I'm not exactly complaining.

Only thing is, I'm wondering if anyone has advice. I start on Tuesday and am already panicking... you all know by now that I'm not an extroverted person what-so-ever. Even know they're kids, I'm really nervous. I'm hoping the job will help me cope with my Social Anxiety Disorder, but I'm sitting here really worried. Any ways to cure first-day jitters?

Starting any new job is pretty scary. I wish I knew of a way to make it less scary. It is probably best to remember that once you get that first day out of the way the rest will be much easier.

Yah, I gotta admit Karly even I get nervous the first day of a new job and I'm as outgoing as can be. It's just natural. You just can't let it get the better of you - the more you think about it, the more nervous you'll probably get. You'll do fine! Once somebody takes you and starts showing you things you'll start to settle down more - and at least you have your cousins there with you. It's a big help when you know someone there - if you start feeling too anxious you can talk to them. Nobody is judging you and kids in that age group are usually a blast to deal with. When I was 17 we managed boys 6 - 8 for the Spring break and I still remember it.

Without having bad social anxiety problems myself, I'm afraid I can't tell you how to manage it, as what I might be able to easily do would be overwhelming for you. Just look at it as its the next step in your life and look back on starting the first day of school - you made through each of those and you'll make it through this. It sounds like a GREAT job! Anything for gov't is great pay, (usually) working conditions and pension - getting the job itself is a HUGE accomplishment - obviously somebody saw something in you that convinced them you were right for the job - just try to see it in yourself! :wave:

I feel like such a loser. Everyone my age is getting a job except me.

Yah, I gotta admit Karly even I get nervous the first day of a new job and I'm as outgoing as can be. It's just natural. You just can't let it get the better of you - the more you think about it, the more nervous you'll probably get. You'll do fine! Once somebody takes you and starts showing you things you'll start to settle down more - and at least you have your cousins there with you. It's a big help when you know someone there - if you start feeling too anxious you can talk to them. Nobody is judging you and kids in that age group are usually a blast to deal with. When I was 17 we managed boys 6 - 8 for the Spring break and I still remember it.

Without having bad social anxiety problems myself, I'm afraid I can't tell you how to manage it, as what I might be able to easily do would be overwhelming for you. Just look at it as its the next step in your life and look back on starting the first day of school - you made through each of those and you'll make it through this. It sounds like a GREAT job! Anything for gov't is great pay, (usually) working conditions and pension - getting the job itself is a HUGE accomplishment - obviously somebody saw something in you that convinced them you were right for the job - just try to see it in yourself! :wave:


Good advice. :)

I feel like such a loser. Everyone my age is getting a job except me.


Don't feel too bad. I was 17 when I got my first job. That was really late to be starting a first job.

Don't feel too bad. I was 17 when I got my first job. That was really late to be starting a first job.
I'm too afraid to deal with people right now. Jobs for teens like that are basically cashier, waitress type crap and it's all dealing with people. Bleh.

The first day is always the hardest. Just try to take one step at a time. It should be much easier after a week or so.
Important to remember... be on time, and trying taking vitamin B-1 for nerves. :)

Good advice. :)
thanx! :D

I'm too afraid to deal with people right now. Jobs for teens like that are basically cashier, waitress type crap and it's all dealing with people. Bleh.

Actually I was the same way then too - I hated answering or ESPECIALLY having to even make a phone call! For some reason I'd get nervous, my palms would sweat and I'd get all tongue-tied. After a few though, I started to get past it. Now I have no problem with any phone call. It was the same with waitressing - I hated approaching strangers, but its like those phobia treatments where they make you face your fears - it does work - and when it does, it's this huge relief and you feel really good about it and start gaining a lot more confidence. :)

Actually I was the same way then too - I hated answering or ESPECIALLY having to even make a phone call! For some reason I'd get nervous, my palms would sweat and I'd get all tongue-tied. After a few though, I started to get past it. Now I have no problem with any phone call. It was the same with waitressing - I hated approaching strangers, but its like those phobia treatments where they make you face your fears - it does work - and when it does, it's this huge relief and you feel really good about it and start gaining a lot more confidence. :)yeah, that's what I'm told. It's just so hard to get yourself to do things, though, and I'm really impatient. If I don't feel better within days I'll get upset.

yeah, that's what I'm told. It's just so hard to get yourself to do things, though, and I'm really impatient. If I don't feel better within days I'll get upset.


I know! ;) Been there, and have a whole collection of the t-shirt! ;)

It gets better as you get older. Know it sounds cliche, (God, I'm sounding like my parents) but it really does! :lol: (Hey - how do ya think we all get to BE this old - what doesn't kill ya - makes you stronger)! :D

Only thing is, I'm wondering if anyone has advice. I start on Tuesday and am already panicking... you all know by now that I'm not an extroverted person what-so-ever. Even know they're kids, I'm really nervous. I'm hoping the job will help me cope with my Social Anxiety Disorder, but I'm sitting here really worried. Any ways to cure first-day jitters?

First of all, congrats!

This is just my little opinion, but I think working with kids will be great for anxiety, especially lots of them. They'll get you so overworked and overwhelmed with running them around and activities that you won't even think about anything. Sometimes with my anxiety, getting my mind off it for awhile really helps. And kids (the younger ones anyway) will just be happy and excited that their energy will rub off on you. And they won't even know if you're nervous! Okay, maybe that made more sense in my head, but I think you'll do great. :)

I feel like such a loser. Everyone my age is getting a job except me.

You'll be working all your life. Live it up while you don't have to rely on a paycheck to live.

I didn't get a job until 18...and that's because I was forced.

Actually I was the same way then too - I hated answering or ESPECIALLY having to even make a phone call! For some reason I'd get nervous, my palms would sweat and I'd get all tongue-tied. After a few though, I started to get past it. Now I have no problem with any phone call. It was the same with waitressing - I hated approaching strangers, but its like those phobia treatments where they make you face your fears - it does work - and when it does, it's this huge relief and you feel really good about it and start gaining a lot more confidence. :)

Oh geez...I am so glad I somewhat got over my phone fear or I wouldn't be able to do my job! You're right, facing fears is really painful sometimes, but it does work.

I didn't get a job until 18...and that's because I was forced.


Same here. When I turned 17 my dad told me that I had better find a job. :lol: It was no longer up for debate. :lol:

If you're like me you doing alot of 'what if' thinking until you're a nervous wreck. I've had that problem all of my life. But 99% of the time everything turns out fine. I have to fight my fears on a daily basis at my work. The job I have now, I already knew people there when I started so it wasn't so bad. I have a feeling you'll do fine.

My interview is at 9 (An interview AFTER they give you the job? :lol: ) The people who run this thing (who know my mom and dad actually) said it was just to get to know you and stuff, not determine the outcome- that's why they give it after you get the job. Great. I hate talking to people I don't know. After that I have training.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I knew I could count on you guys ;) I'm kind of excited, too. I finally feel like my life is getting on track again.

Same here. When I turned 17 my dad told me that I had better find a job. :lol: It was no longer up for debate. :lol:

I managed to get out of it 2 summers in a row, but that summer was the last straw. :lol:

When I first started at Wendy's, the main thing you have to remember is to "Just be Nice". I guess that applies to all jobs. Smile and be polite. I know you love to do that ;) If you have a question, ask someone thats been there longer for answers, so you won't get in trouble for doing something wrong. But, in my opinion, the most important thing when starting a new job is 1) Have fun and 2) Do what you're supposed to do, even if you don't like it.


Have fun! You have to tell me some exciting stories when you start. This needs to be an everyday thing. :lol: I tell you some exciting Wendy's stories, and tell you how to make burgers. Because, as you know, I make burgers. :crazy:

I work w/ 5-7 year olds at a summer rec. camp, and yeah i was nervous the first day too, but the kids in general are sooo accepting of the counselors. just be enthusiastic and make an effort to get to know the kids you work with, try hard to learn names and faces early, compliment them lots, and have fun

oh, and i always eat bananas when im nervous.

My interview is at 9 (An interview AFTER they give you the job? :lol: ) The people who run this thing (who know my mom and dad actually) said it was just to get to know you and stuff, not determine the outcome- that's why they give it after you get the job. Great. I hate talking to people I don't know. After that I have training.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I knew I could count on you guys ;) I'm kind of excited, too. I finally feel like my life is getting on track again.


That's great! When I started my first job a week ago I was very nervous. It was an unusual sensation for me because I always try to avoid a situation in which I feel nervous. I thought something was wrong, because I was so excited and I really wanted this to happen. I really didn't know what to expect! It terrorfied me. And I was afraid my roommate would make us late. Not a pleasant thought!

But, everything turned out wonderfully.


How long is your training, Karli? Americorps trains us for three weeks, and we don't get paid until the orientation is over. Now that's even more nerve racking because I've got rent to pay and I just know the electric bill will be outragously high this month! It would be nice to know the pay check is on it's way. :wave:

How long is your training, Karli? Americorps trains us for three weeks, and we don't get paid until the orientation is over. Now that's even more nerve racking because I've got rent to pay and I just know the electric bill will be outragously high this month! It would be nice to know the pay check is on it's way. :wave:
:lol: I didn't end up having any training, since I got hired spur of the moment. They hired me partly because I can pick things up quickly.

:lol: I didn't end up having any training, since I got hired spur of the moment. They hired me partly because I can pick things up quickly.Oh, like those pointy stick thingies where you poke litter and stuff it in the bag?

:lol:

I've had a job since the day after my 15th birthday. :( That is only b/c I know people in high places. ;)

Oh, like those pointy stick thingies where you poke litter and stuff it in the bag?

:lol:
:lol: Boy does THAT bring back memories - in high school, if you got caught smoking on school property, you had to go around with a poker thingy for week after school picking up cigarette butts!

:lol: Boy does THAT bring back memories - in high school, if you got caught smoking on school property, you had to go around with a poker thingy for week after school picking up cigarette butts!
nowadays you get kicked out of school and have to go to meetings about smoking and how it's bad for you.

nowadays you get kicked out of school and have to go to meetings about smoking and how it's bad for you.

Yah, that's not surprising.


I've found that 90% of what you worry about never comes to pass, and the other 10% you have no control over anyway so just go with it!

As I said, you'll be nervous to start but the kids themselves will get you over it quickly. And wait until it ends and your heart melts when one or two of the kids make a card just for you to thank you. I still have the ones two little goobers made for me - too sweet! :)

Karly, there's not much I can add in the way of advice here. I'm sure you'll do great. Just act confident even if you're crumbling inside, lol.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes. You'll be fine. :biglove: