My Job is Making Me Anxious, Should I Quit?

CO814
Community Member

I got my first job about a month and a half ago and it makes me feel horrible. Talking over the PA, making small talk in the break room, conversing with customers, everything is making me nervous. Even worrying about whether I'm packing groceries too slow.

I'm 15 and I was diagnosed with social anxiety and depression last year. Things have been spiralling downhill ever since and since I got a job things have been even worse. All I do now is worry about my next shift, when I'm out with friends or family or if I'm alone in my room. It's all I think about now.

Before every shift I feel sick and I can't stop myself from remembering previous mistakes I've made and how my supervisors/co-workers hate me for it. I've considered resigning but I don't want to disappoint my family and I don't want to stop making money.

The only reason I haven't resigned is because of the income, I love going to events and festivals but asking my parents for money makes me feel guilty and I hate it. So without a job I won't be able to go out with friends or to events anymore. Without my own money I won't leave the house as much as I do which already isn't a whole lot.

Recently I've been thinking that if I quit it'll be harder for my to get a job in the future because of my anxiety and the employers looking into my records or whatever they do.

I don't know if the money is worth the anxiety, what should I do?

1 Reply 1

Blue_Jane
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi CO814

Welcome to our forum. Hopefully you find it useful and supportive. I started writing a response to you earlier but I think I clicked the wrong button and the response disappeared!

Having anxiety and depression tends to leave us over thinking things. Most people are thinking about what is going on in their mind so I am sure that they are not thinking about any mistakes you have made. Plus you are new! Only 6 weeks in so you are still learning the ropes. I think you are being very hard on yourself.

Sounds like you know that having a job is beneficial to your mind as well as your social life. Being independent and being able to go to the festivals etc that you enjoy is so satisfying when you pay your own way.

Once you settle into the role you will find that there are things you enjoy, plus a few things that you don't - that is the same as any job. But your confidence will improve.

I got my first job at your age when I was shy with acne and braces. I remember I once tipped a coffee all over a customer's trousers. He was so angry at me and I was horrified. But I got over it and built confidence. I was able to buy myself a car a few years later based on that part time job. It also made me more confident applying for jobs after school.

Besides the income, what are you enjoying about the job?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Blue Jane