Work experience anxiety!

[JitteryBug]

Hi, so I haven't written one of these before...

Basically, I'm starting work experience at a veterinary clinic/hospital on Monday and I'm panicking. I'm assuming it's some form of social anxiety maybe, but I keep worrying about every possible scenario. I always feel so stupid for worrying! At the moment it's about what I have to wear. The sheet that the clinic gave me said to wear jeans and a shirt, but some reason I'm stressing about what type of shirt. Just typing this makes me feel insane. The sheet says that we're supposed to look neat and tidy, so my mum and dad both said just wear a long-sleeved plain top, but I'm scared I'll turn up and they'll look at me and say (or even just think) I'm wearing the wrong thing. I keep getting scared that by "shirt" they mean button-down shirt or polo top or something along those lines. I'm also terrified of phone calls as I always feel so awkward and really don't want to have to call the clinic again as I called them yesterday about times etc.

AND on top of this all, I keep having little panicky moments where I imagine what will have to happen during the half-hour lunch breaks. I don't know who I'm going to talk to! I always feel so embarrassed when trying to hold a conversation with someone I've just recently met, and I feel so uncomfortable. How am I going to pretend I'm not cringing on the inside when I'm talking to staff etc.?

I don't know what I'm even saying, but all I know is I have an exam tomorrow but the thing that's stressing me most is what top I'm going to wear to work experience in a week's time. Am I insane?

[BballJ]

Hi JitteryBug,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

You are definitely not insane. This sounds like anxiety to me, I have suffered from anxiety for around 10 years so I know these panicky feelings, sometimes over what seem so trivial. I know you have called them and don't feel comfortable, but honestly I think if you called them tomorrow and just asked to clarify what shirt exactly are they expecting, button down or polo shirt and hopefully that will calm you down. Work experience is such a positive thing and I am sure the staff will speak to you in lunch breaks and ask stuff about you. I am assuming you have an interest in being a vet and animals so that may be your topic of conversation, talk about stuff that interests you. Easier said that done I know but trying to focus on things that you are comfortable with.

Good luck for your exam.

My best for you,

Jay

[blondguy]

Hi JitteryBug

BballJ (Jay) has the experience and is correct when he mentioned there you are not insane and have some anxiety.

Whether its work experience or a new job I have always 'overthought' many things as well when then makes us nervous and fearful. These are still only feelings. I envy you that you have elected to have your work experience at a Vet clinic! Good on you!

The lunch breaks or the work will be making many people anxious. You wont be the only one being nervous

Jay mentioned calling them and asking about what type of shirt or any other questions it will take a lot of pressure off your shoulders.

If you have any more concerns about Monday I hope you can post back and have a yak with us 🙂

be kind to yourself JB

Paul