[HolographicTardis]

Ok so my mom is bugging me about getting a job soon (im 14) I have plenty of opportunities. I know it's important for me to get a job but I'm absolutely terrified. A can't talk to strangers whatsoever so I'm really hoping I can either be a computer programmer or artist (even though those are unrealistic in this economy) I would rather be shot in the face than be in these type of social situations. I don't know what to do. My anxiety hold me back from doing anything I'm not used to....

[kaliope]

most places dont hire until 16, so i dont know how many opportunites you really have available. i am antisocial and anxiety ridden but i do just fine in my job working with the public because people are coming to me for help i am not having to go into their space asking for stuff. i would suck if i had to solicit or fund raise. i hate asking for things. but giving i am great at. i just do the same thing over and over. same thing different day. im good at it so there isnt much anxiety.

[CosmicRose]

14 seems a little young for your first job. I think 16 is an okay age for your first job because at least then you're old enough to drive and get places by yourself.
You probably wouldn't make much money at 14 anyway I'm guessing. I'm not even sure who would hire a 14 year old because there's things like age limit laws for working.
But I guess if someone would hire you, look into places that don't involve too much customer service - being a stocker would be great for a first time job. Someone who stocks the items in a store like a grocery store, a book store, or a retail store.
You could also look into being a busser at a restaurant - this job doesn't require you to interact with anyone usually, you just clean the tables after the families have left and go to the dishwasher and restock the tables for new customers.
You could also be a movie-ticket person at a movie theater, they sit behind the glass booths and the interaction with customers is very fast, they just tell you what movie they want to see, they give you the money, you give them the ticket and say "next".
My dad's first job in the 50s was a newspaper boy and then he was a dishwasher, I think he was 14 too but times were different back then and they didn't have many work place laws for age.
Book stores are usually a very quiet place to work. You could also try working at a library stocking shelves. I doubt any small business would hire someone as young as you, but I could be wrong. I really don't think anyone would hire a 14 year old, maybe things are different in southern states but in California I think that's illegal...I don't know.

[Junerain]

Maybe work in the library, by the computers? As far as artwork that doesn't involve too much interaction, a job painting houses? Keep us posted, social anxiety can be difficult...hugs

[anisepower]

Originally Posted by HolographicTardis

A can't talk to strangers whatsoever so I'm really hoping I can either be a computer programmer or artist (even though those are unrealistic in this economy)

Make sure you're knowledgeable about the jobs you're interested in. Despite the stereotype that computer programmers are shy and don't like talking to people, they still have to converse regularly with clients and/or the business people they work with to complete a project. Anything in IT involves a lot of interaction with people.
It's quite difficult to get a job that doesn't involve that, but you're only young so you may find a strong interest in a career pathway when you're older. Sometimes interests help overcome the anxiety if you enjoy the work