[Hudson65]

Hi, I have a bipolar disorder, anxiety and a learning disability. I have gone through several jobs due to this. I recently got a new job at a grocery store. I have had about 5 days of training. I just found out I will be working alone next week for four days. Now my anxiety is really bad. I can’t eat and I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. I feel scared. I spoke to my manager and he said I will be working alone. I’m 52 and feel I should be able to handle this. But I just feel so overwhelmed. I don’t know what I should do about this fear. Can anyone help me.

It's ok if you're anxious! I think anybody would be. Working alone can be stressful, but it's even more stressful when you're by yourself and have limited experience on the job. You have every right to feel anxious.

Is there any way you can contact your manager if you're in a pickle? Like, if you don't know how to do something, can you call his number or at least someone else's number?

If need be, you can ask your manager all sorts of questions in advance and write down his answers on a piece of paper. For example, "What do I do when someone wants to buy fresh veggies but the veggies don't have a price tag on them?"

I’ve always found that my head makes it worse then it really is in the end.

4 days alone....nobody to watch you screw up....what more can you ask for? I always screw up and there is someone watching.

It’s in the bag. What are they going to do...fire you over crushing eggs with dog food? Yeah right, we ain’t that stupid...duh...

Just ignore your head and you will do fine. I love it when I’m working alone....it’s so relaxing.

I agree that it's natural to be nervous. That's ok. If you weren't anxious at all it might indicate not caring. You care how you'll do, therefore there will naturally be nervousness. Already dealing with anxiety the level might be increased. That's ok too. (Btw, I'm 55 and often feel overwhelmed by new or unknown things too. Try not to "should" yourself about age. That is to say there are really no givens, so no need to burden youself with that thinking. Hope that makes sense.)

Is it a super small store? Are you working a department alone or working with your department, but without a trainer at your side?

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

It's ok if you're anxious! I think anybody would be. Working alone can be stressful, but it's even more stressful when you're by yourself and have limited experience on the job. You have every right to feel anxious.

Is there any way you can contact your manager if you're in a pickle? Like, if you don't know how to do something, can you call his number or at least someone else's number?

If need be, you can ask your manager all sorts of questions in advance and write down his answers on a piece of paper. For example, "What do I do when someone wants to buy fresh veggies but the veggies don't have a price tag on them?"

Thank you so much for your response. I will use your ideas tomorrow.

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

I agree that it's natural to be nervous. That's ok. If you weren't anxious at all it might indicate not caring. You care how you'll do, therefore there will naturally be nervousness. Already dealing with anxiety the level might be increased. That's ok too. (Btw, I'm 55 and often feel overwhelmed by new or unknown things too. Try not to "should" yourself about age. That is to say there are really no givens, so no need to burden youself with that thinking. Hope that makes sense.)

Is it a super small store? Are you working a department alone or working with your department, but without a trainer at your side?

Thank you so much for your support. I appreciate it very much.

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

I’ve always found that my head makes it worse then it really is in the end.

4 days alone....nobody to watch you screw up....what more can you ask for? I always screw up and there is someone watching.

It’s in the bag. What are they going to do...fire you over crushing eggs with dog food? Yeah right, we ain’t that stupid...duh...

Just ignore your head and you will do fine. I love it when I’m working alone....it’s so relaxing.

You’re absolutely right. Thank you so much!

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

I’ve always found that my head makes it worse then it really is in the end.

4 days alone....nobody to watch you screw up....what more can you ask for? I always screw up and there is someone watching.

It’s in the bag. What are they going to do...fire you over crushing eggs with dog food? Yeah right, we ain’t that stupid...duh...

Just ignore your head and you will do fine. I love it when I’m working alone....it’s so relaxing.

Thank you. You are so right!

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

I agree that it's natural to be nervous. That's ok. If you weren't anxious at all it might indicate not caring. You care how you'll do, therefore there will naturally be nervousness. Already dealing with anxiety the level might be increased. That's ok too. (Btw, I'm 55 and often feel overwhelmed by new or unknown things too. Try not to "should" yourself about age. That is to say there are really no givens, so no need to burden youself with that thinking. Hope that makes sense.)

Is it a super small store? Are you working a department alone or working with your department, but without a trainer at your side?

Yeah, it’s a small grocery store. Thank you for your help.

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

I agree that it's natural to be nervous. That's ok. If you weren't anxious at all it might indicate not caring. You care how you'll do, therefore there will naturally be nervousness. Already dealing with anxiety the level might be increased. That's ok too. (Btw, I'm 55 and often feel overwhelmed by new or unknown things too. Try not to "should" yourself about age. That is to say there are really no givens, so no need to burden youself with that thinking. Hope that makes sense.)

Is it a super small store? Are you working a department alone or working with your department, but without a trainer at your side?

Hi; thank you very much. I appreciate your help.

[bpforever1]

Congrats on your new job. It seems as if you have received many suggestions here. I hope your new job works out for you. Yes, working alone allows me to be myself, whereas, being with someone watching me all of the time makes me nervous. I have the exact opposite problem. I understand your situation though. I believe, you will be fine. Best wishes!

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

It's ok if you're anxious! I think anybody would be. Working alone can be stressful, but it's even more stressful when you're by yourself and have limited experience on the job. You have every right to feel anxious.

Is there any way you can contact your manager if you're in a pickle? Like, if you don't know how to do something, can you call his number or at least someone else's number?

If need be, you can ask your manager all sorts of questions in advance and write down his answers on a piece of paper. For example, "What do I do when someone wants to buy fresh veggies but the veggies don't have a price tag on them?"

Thank you so much for your support.

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by bpforever1

Congrats on your new job. It seems as if you have received many suggestions here. I hope your new job works out for you. Yes, working alone allows me to be myself, whereas, being with someone watching me all of the time makes me nervous. I have the exact opposite problem. I understand your situation though. I believe, you will be fine. Best wishes!

Thank you!!!

[SparkySmart]

Telling a customer, "I don't know the answer to your question," or, "Do you mind waiting a minute while I find the answer(s)," or, "I'm kind of new but will try to help you!" doesn't have to be awkward. People are usually willing to cut you some slack if you're polite and respectful. It typically takes me around six months to get firmly in the groove of a new job, so be easy on yourself.

Oh...I love working alone without supervision.

[Hudson65]

Originally Posted by SparkySmart

Telling a customer, "I don't know the answer to your question," or, "Do you mind waiting a minute while I find the answer(s)," or, "I'm kind of new but will try to help you!" doesn't have to be awkward. People are usually willing to cut you some slack if you're polite and respectful. It typically takes me around six months to get firmly in the groove of a new job, so be easy on yourself.

Oh...I love working alone without supervision.

Thanks so much Sparky. I appreciate your response.