First day at work, felt very anxious

[Julie3392]

Hey everyone,

So I just finished my first day at work, and I’m feeling very overwhelmed and anxious. I can’t help but feel like I was more of a burden to the company, and I’m not sure I can handle working there long term. I was hoping to work for at least a year, for the experience and also for my resume. But I’m afraid I can’t control my anxiety, or that it will get worse. I know it’s only the first day, but I’m afraid my fears and anxiety are getting to me.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Julie

Congratulations on surviving your first day. It sounds like it was challenging but you did it. Well done.

I think your anxiety is running amok and it might help to look at the "evidence" before things snowball.

You earned this position, no doubt beating out many competitors. You were selected because of your skills, talents and the particular experience you have. You can do this.

You are not a burden, you are learning. Big difference. Trust me, and I am an employer, no one expects you to know everything, do everything on day one. It takes time, depending on the role it could be several months before you really settle in. Your employer knows this.

Tomorrow is a new day. Try to "chunk it down". When you arrive, just focus on what you have to do pre-lunch. Take a healthy break at lunch. Maybe take a walk or call a friend. Eat well and drink water (try to limit your caffeine). Reset and then focus on the afternoon. Moment by moment, day by day, you will get through the week.

Remember to breath, smile and ask for help when you need it. Most of all, remember that starting a new job is stressful for everyone. You are not alone and what you are experiencing is common and it's okay.

Be kind to yourself. If you feel up to it, please let us know how you are going.

[SHELBY MUSTANG]

As someone who has quit 2 jobs to being overwhelmed, anxious and depressed my advice is to hang in there. I m currently in a new job well, 2 months in and struggling but each day I learn something new no matter how small, but I have a long way to go, it may be a year before I fit in.

I do a lot of deep breathing exercises away from my desk and go for walks outside. I am taking longer to learn things as there is no formal training, I am expected to pick things up but when you are depressed, you lack confidence.

But I keep pushing thru because I know how hard it is to find a job and you have to jump thru a million hoops even to get an interview for an entry level job.

The alternative is to be unemployed with no money.

Just do little things and be proud of things you master and get on top of and the rest shall follow in time.

[Julie3392]

Thank you Summer and Shelby for your advice. I guess I might have been hard on myself. To be honest, I do feel like I’m not good enough. This is my first job after graduating last year, and the transition from student to working adult is daunting. I have never worked in this line of job before, and I feel like im not that great in the skills im supposed to have. One of the employers said I did good on my first day, but I think he’s only saying that. I made some mistakes (not major but still) and I just feel so anxious all the time (I have the day off today fortunately). I don’t know how to get over this.

[Wizard1]

Hi Julie,

The first day of work is always overwhelming and challenging. I've changed jobs 8 times now and each time I feel anxious on the first day and I don't suffer anxiety either. Although you feel it more so than most, it is quite common to feel that way when you start a job and that feeling will dissipate over time.

My suggestion is to break your task to the smallest parts possible then tackle the easiest thing first. Even if that thing is to learn about your job.

Have faith in yourself Julie. Mistakes are part of any job and are expected particularly from someone just starting. It is through our mistakes we learn the fastest.

Cheers, Wizard

[Stussylee]

How are you going with the job now? I just started a newnjob after many jobs failing and me self sabotaging. I would love some advice on how to keep going. Thanks!

[Summer Rose]

Hi Julie

It was nice to hear from you again and wonderful to learn that one of your bosses paid you a compliment after your first day. That's a win. Good on ya.

I am, however, sorry that anxiety is making you doubt yourself. All of us here on the forum very much want to help you "get over this" as you say. And while it is so pleasing to see all the good advice flowing, I do understand that anxiety is relentless, tricky and cruel.

I hope you will remember that everybody makes mistakes, especially when starting a new job. From an employer's perspective it is expected. What is important is that you learn from your mistakes and that your attitude at work is positive and focused on learning and improvement. It's okay to ask for help when you need it and I encourage you to do this.

Please also remember that the evidence showing you can do this is really stacking up: you had the skills and talent to win the job above all others, you are intelligent having successfully graduated university, you wouldn't be human if you didn't make mistakes in a new job and you caught your employer's attention and earned praise on your first day. Try to look at the evidence (and ignore the unhelpful thoughts) because this is rational, logical fact.

I'm wondering if you are receiving any professional support for you anxiety at present? You don't have to answer but there is help available to manage anxious thinking. This is no doubt a stressful time in your life, so it would be prudent to talk with your doctor, review or put in place a mental health plan and see what treatments might help you through this. It really can get better and treatment can help put you in a place offering the best chance of success with this job and all of life's challenges to come.

Kind thoughts to you