I acquired a full-time job today and I need advice before I puke. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Kay Scarpetta · 06-30-2005, 11:42 PM

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?

Nighthawk76 · 06-30-2005, 11:49 PM

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.

TripperFan · 06-30-2005, 11:59 PM

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!

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 07-01-2005, 12:06 AM

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

Nighthawk76 · 07-01-2005, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

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!

Good advice.

Nighthawk76 · 07-01-2005, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

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.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 07-01-2005, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAX

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.

Fleet · 07-01-2005, 12:32 AM

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.

TripperFan · 07-01-2005, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAX

Good advice.

thanx!

TripperFan · 07-01-2005, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

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.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 07-01-2005, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

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.

TripperFan · 07-01-2005, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

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!

(Hey - how do ya think we all get to BE this old - what doesn't kill ya - makes you stronger)!

dawsongirl · 07-01-2005, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kay Scarpetta

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.

dawsongirl · 07-01-2005, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Pleasant Tomorrow*

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.

dawsongirl · 07-01-2005, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripperFan

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.

06-30-2005, 11:42 PM	#1
Kay Scarpetta Defy Gravity 8.26.05 Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 04, 2001 Location: La Vie Boheme Posts: 28,013	I acquired a full-time job today and I need advice before I puke. 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?
	__________________ The people who think they know everything about Broadway make me laugh. They've never seen a Broadway play in their life. "oh mi godddd RENT's a mooovie! lyke 525600 minuuuuuuutes!" No. To be a Broadway Freak, you must live, eat, sleep, study, devout, think, obsess, dream, believe Broadway. You must know original & revival casts, soundtracks, performance runs, dates, theatres, numbers, how many Tony Awards A Chorus Line won. You must be Broadway. That's right bitches. I AM Broadway.

06-30-2005, 11:59 PM	#3
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,086	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!
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

07-01-2005, 12:06 AM	#4
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	I feel like such a loser. Everyone my age is getting a job except me.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

07-01-2005, 12:32 AM	#8
Fleet Mansions, limousines & H-ween Forum Star Join Date: Jan 06, 2002 Location: Northridge/Porter Ranch, California Posts: 15,625	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.
	__________________ 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Seventy-Five Limousine.

06-30-2005, 11:49 PM	#2
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	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.