Trouble keeping a job/finding a job + friendship/social issues

lily-3501 — Tue, 05 May 2026 05:54:30 GMT

Hi everyone,

30F, I’ve been seeing a therapist for social anxiety disorder for about 6 months now, but I’m still struggling a lot—especially at work. My anxiety affects my focus, and I sometimes make mistakes or forget things, which has led to ongoing issues in my jobs. In some cases, I’ve also been bullied at work.

Because of this, I’ve either left or been let go from roles, and it’s been really hard to build a stable career, even though I’m an allied health professional. I’ve applied to similar roles outside my field many times but rarely get interviews or offers.

I also struggle to build mutual friendships. They usually start off strong, but over time it feels like the other person pulls away or becomes less interested.

Because of these experiences, I feel very lonely. It’s hard not having stable work or close, consistent friendships, and it can feel like I don’t really have a place where I belong. Lately, I’ve also been wondering whether therapy is actually helping me, or if it’s just that things have been particularly difficult recently and that’s affecting how I see it.

Has anyone else experienced something like this, found ways to cope or have any recommendations? I also love listening to podcasts and if there are any that might help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Trouble keeping a job/finding a job + friendship/social issues

trying_my_best — Thu, 07 May 2026 04:03:22 GMT

Hi @lily-3501!!

I am sorry to hear about what you are going through! I have been through a period like this a short time ago and it is awful!

How I “fixed” this:

Firstly, I have found that I am more able to engage when I am working in a that I am very interested in I am less likely to make the “careless” mistakes.

Secondly, I also work in the allied health/disability sector, I found it took me a while to “break into” this feild. Partially because I’m a student but that is besides the point. Unfortunately, in terms of applying for jobs it is a matter of what I’m seeing online as rejection therapy. Keep applying even if you don’t think you’ll get it! Eventually you almost turn numb to it and get a call back for a job you forgot you even applied for! But I can understand it can be really hard to find work!

Thirdly, in terms of friendships, I have found that if they fizzle away that’s on them and not me. I have stopped trying to find “reasons” why they aren’t spending time with me anymore. I have ADHD and struggle a bit with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in terms of my friendships and relationships. I think applying this mindset has helped me to keep me from unhealthy friendships. I found the more confident I felt in myself, the more confident I felt making lasting friendships!

Lastly, it is great to see you are accessing a psychologist for your anxiety! However if you’re wondering if it’s actually helpful, this might be worth bringing up to your psychologist. I am studying psychology at the moment and it is taught to us that if our clients do not feel we are helping them then either we need to change our strategy or find them someone who can! I know that when I meantion this to my counsellor she adjusts her strategy as well!

I hope this helps!

wishing you he best 🫶

topic Trouble keeping a job/finding a job + friendship/social issues in Anxiety

Trouble keeping a job/finding a job + friendship/social issues

Re: Trouble keeping a job/finding a job + friendship/social issues