[xxxispillcoffeexxx]

I'm absolutely terrified of the customers and my bosses and I've been on the front counter for almost a week. Every loud noise or raised voice makes me jump out of my skin. I stutter and shake. I feel all this nervous energy and I have no idea how to channel it. Working almost makes me feel manic, I was wondering if anyone knew any good coping strategies to help me. I show up early and try the best I can but everyone notices how jumpy I am. I get these self defeating thoughts in my head.

"Oh he's going to fire me right now if I mess this up."
"My bosses hate me."
"I'm doing everything wrong."
"I have to do better than everyone, I have to stand out to keep my job."

I'm pretty new to this job and it taking me some time to get used to everything. It's a fast food restaurant and I am trying to be as respectful as possible and polite to the customers. I don't speak loud enough. I just feel so terrified that I'm going to get fired. I obsess about it.

[ReneeDawn]

I know exactly how you feel. I too go through the same feelings. I cannot stand it if a customer is upset about something. And whenever I mess up, I can't help but feel "This is it for me. They are sending me home."

What has helped me so far is practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing. When I'm home alone, I imagine myself in a stressful situation, and I take in slow and deep breaths to sooth my nerves. Then I try it when I'm in the actual situations.

When it comes to my bosses getting upset I repeat to myself over and over "It's not that bad. Everyone messes up. You are human and so is your boss. They are only doing they're job."

It's hard yes, but these have helped me so far. If you really feel your bosses are that upset with you, maybe it will be best to talk to them.

I see a counselor too to talk about my anxieties too. That's helped a lot.

[IceCreamKid]

What you are describing sounds normal to me for a busy fast food place (I worked at one that was really, really busy!) If you stick with it you will become better adjusted to the pace and start to notice you will get many of the same customers. You should also be able to talk to your manager and say you're feeling nervous and you want to do a good job and not to mess up. She or he may be able to offer some pointers or tell you to observe a more seasoned worker for tips on how to interact with customers. Hang in there! Courage!

hi. i work in the "food service industry" too. i tend to be more introverted too and am nervous in the beginning of a new job.

it takes time to get used to everything! especially in a busy place.

customers are rude and mean. i am amazed at how people think it is ok to be rude to us-- who are just people trying to do our jobs and yes, sometimes make mistakes.

i used to get nervous like you, but here are a couple things that help me.

1) i have a set of "lines" that i use if someone is getting rude. if they don't respond to my lines/questions, i say "please wait why i get the manager."

i found that having lines prepared removes the emotional upset i start to feel. i just move into prepared statements.

2) practice the lines and anything else you say in front of a mirror. practice saying it loud, so that you are confident with what you say.

3) ask your boss if there is anything he/she notices that you can improve. sometimes talking to the boss and asking how to improve so you do a good job helps them look out for you.

4) find a coworker who is cool and ask them what they do to relax. just having a "work friend" might help.

it gets better with time. good luck!

[Jan1212]

Don't try to stand out, co-workers get jealous quickly and / or will take advantage of your 'hard work'. Try to be in between "friends and professional coworker" I know it's a job and I don't mean to say don't take it seriously, just don't let it interfere with your health and life. Some people who run fast food places are not as educated, bosses will tell you 'what to do', do it right, etc.. I just thought of it as a way of making pocket money.

Ask yourself why you're afraid to get fired, they need you that's why they hired you.
You will get rude customers. Dont take it personally - anybody can just walk in having a bad day and take it out on a young, new worker. When I used to work at a fast food place, a woman would ask how much I made, tell me she felt sorry for me, that I looked old and tired, and said she is going home to her husband to have a nice dinner and felt sorry I had to work! At least I work #&%^

[xxxispillcoffeexxx]

Thank you everyone, I'll try some relaxation techniques and practice my lines. It's getting better, I'm not as jumpy and I survived the start of school, so my days off are more frequent.

[willmarcus]

I know how you feel. I've been on lexapro now for a few months to help deal with anxiety. What's worked best for me is replacing all worrying thoughts with one simple thought :Whatever happens, I can handle it with ease. It takes time to get use to this thought, but it works!

Hope this helps.