[shykoala]

Hey all,

I got a call a couple of hours ago from a McDonald's that I applied to about a month ago, and now I'm really considering cancelling due to my previous attempt at working in a fast food place. That experience was so overwhelming for me- #1) I have social anxiety, and #2) I had a hard time remembering which buttons to press for orders. I'm trying to convince myself that it was years ago, and I've changed, but I don't really believe myself. I am constantly asking people to repeat themselves, and customers tend to say their orders faster that I can process it.

The only reason I can think of not to cancel is because my family is living on a very limited income, but I don't want to have to something that will just stress me out to the breaking point.

Advice? Thoughts?

-Shykoala

[Cyran0]

Well, I can't tell you whether or not you can handle the job of course, but I can certainly relate. I have a stressful job and my disorder sometimes makes me think I should get out of my field all together. The one inspiring thing I can tell you is that I've found ways to make it through and hold on. Will you? I can't say but ya know, what's the worst case scenario if you take the job and fail? You lose the job. No biggie, at least you tried.

Cyran0

[animasana]

I started out working fast food jobs when I was younger and I can completely relate to those feelings. Starting any new job is overwhelming. You can't walk in and be perfect on day 1 though! Give yourself time to learn and don't be afraid to ask for help. At every job I've taken, I have always found at least one person who is very kind and willing to help. I bet there is someone there who will help you if you're struggling.

I really hope you don't decide to cancel. You will feel very proud of yourself if you do this and stick with it.

[sundog]

((((((shykoala))))) I agree with the others that it's worth giving this a shot. I completely understand your fears. But, as Cyran0 says, you can always pack it in if it becomes too much. But at least you'll have tried. I really think that's the best advice.

Sending hugs to you Let us know how you're doing

[shykoala]

Hey,

So I went to the interview yesterday, and it went okay. The interviewer likes my schedule, and said she would talk to her manager to see if they can make something work, even though they're looking for someone with experience (which I don't have, which is sad for my age). So I'm just waiting to hear whether I have a job or not.

Wish me luck!

-shykoala

[lachrymose]

I agree, give it a try. I've had several things I didn't want to do for fear of failure. some I did fail....but others I succeeded!

Good luck to you!

[billieJ]

Let the place make the decision for you, rather than backing out. If they hire you, try your best, and if they fire you, apply for unemployment. That's what i did with my fast food job. I tried really, really hard, but was having some stress, and, like you, had trouble punching the right numbers. Also, i was in management training, and i kept doing the work instead of assigning it. Let your anxiety turn into energy.

[Cyran0]

Good luck!

[lastyearisblank]

This, for you, is like so big for someone without social anxiety. As someone who also does not love crowds, I feel like what you are doing here is the equivalent of skydiving. So Yay for you ShyKoala.

P.S I waited tables in college and the first day is the hardest because you don't know how it goes yet. After a while, there are a limited number of orders and you only have to say a limited number of things and you can almost do it on autopilot.