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A new job and higher anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 11/23/2010 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't really worked in nearly 12 years. I took some odd temp jobs here or there but for the most part I just stayed home to raise my children and because every time I would start to work, it would activate my Uc. But my kids are older now and I have been bored silly at home (not to mention we need the money) so I decided on looking for a seasonal part time job - figured it would be easier on me then taking a full time job. So now I have an interview scheduled for December 2nd at a job in which I really have no background in. My training was in Payroll accounting and even though I loved what I did, I don't feel I am able to commit myself to a "serious" job at the moment. I have faith in my abilities to learn at this new job, I'm not worried about that. But the just anxiety of knowing that I may be working again is sort of getting to me. I find myself doing the what if's. What if this job stresses me out? What if I have a Uc flare when I start this job? What if, what if, what if?

How do you get yourself calmed down and out of the what if cycle?
Posted 11/23/2010 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Red, congrats on the new job! Sorry that you are getting anxious about it, but that is pretty understandable. It think everybody gets nervous when starting a new job. If you think about it, a little anxiety helps us to perform by keeping us sharp and ready to take on anything. Too much stress however, as you know, can do just the opposite. As the time approaches to start your job, be sure to practice your positive mantras and visualization, relaxation and breathing exercises.
As far as the 'what if's'...why do we always what if in the negative? How about 'What if this is the best job I've ever had?' 'What if it is so much fun my body and mind don't get stressed?' 'What if this job provides both needed money, and an outlet for me/family to do the things we love to do?' (think a fancy dinners out or a vacation!)
I do hope that you can look forward to this, and that your UC will behave! I know that you will do everything you can to be sure you stay well. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes! (and remeber, you've alreay conquered the toughest/most important job there is...motherhood-now you can face anything;)!)
Good luck,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/24/2010 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Sherry,

I have been where you are so many times I cannot count them all.  Believe in yourself my friend and kick the anxiety to the curb.  You don't need it and you will do fine once you start the job. It is always the stage fright of getting out the door and to the job that is the hardest.  You will be awesome.

Remember you have anxiety,  anxiety does not have you.  You go girlfriend and enjoy your job.  Every job is important so be proud of yourself.

I am here to cheer you on.

Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 11/24/2010 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
I too know exactly how you are feeling. Try to think of the job as separate from you real life. Many times you will find that you have blessings in life that will pull you through.

Being nervous inj light of new stresses is normal. Listen closely and do not amplify your anxiety by adding what ifs to the communication.
Posted 11/24/2010 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
I don't really have the job yet, I still have to go in for the interview. I am not worried about the interview because that is ONE thing I can do really well. I used to also work in the Human Resource section of my department eons ago so I know what to do and not what to do during an interview.

I'm getting really excited about working again. My husband...not so much. He worries that I will make myself sick again. He doesn't mind that I work but he worries about me. I'm a people person and in this job I will be working with the public so it should be fun. If I do well in this seasonal job I may look for something similar if they let me go after the holiday season.

Thank you all for the encouraging words. I really needed to "hear" them. I am unsure of myself about this whole endeaver that it's nice to get that boost of moral.
Posted 11/24/2010 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Sherry,

I am really excited for you and remember to give yourself permission to change your mind if things get to be to much that way you always know you have options.  If the job turns out to be what you want then take it one day at a time and enjoy yourself. I am a people person too and if there was a job that just needed a person to help make them feel happy I would apply.  :-)

Our hubbies always worry about us which is warm and fuzzy yet sometimes causes us to overthink how we feel.

You know yourself so keep on believing  and do keep us posted.  Happy Thanksgiving to you.

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ Kitt

 

Posted 11/24/2010 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
To piggyback off of Kitt's comment about giving yourself permission to change your mind... I would emphasize that this is an opportunity and not an obligation. You are choosing to work, not forcing yourself. If you need a moment to yourself, take a bathroom break or a walk down the hallway. Remind yourself that this is a seasonal job and that you're not committing yourself to working there forever. Also if it becomes too much then you don't have to stay. You can always quit and still be proud of yourself knowing that you did something you haven't done in 12 years. Hopefully just giving yourself that permission to take a break, to quit if things get bad, to not be perfect at a new job, etc. can provide you some comfort.
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