[bdice]

Just started a new job on monday w/ a major network as a digital media coordinator. I wasn't nervous during the interview, or during the days leading up to the 1st day, or even driving to the office; but after 3 hours of being there on my 1st day it hit me - I began to have a major panic attack.

Granted, I have been on unemployment for 6 months straight and this is my 1st job since being laid off. But, I guess seeing the work right in front of me made things real - it seems overwhelming. Im in a 2 week training period and the ppl I work with are very friendly and helpful. They keep reminding me that they don't expect me to know everything right away and to not be afraid to ask a lot of questions (which I do).

It's only my third day, but the anxiety is taking over. Im so busy while Im there that I don't have time to think about my emotions, but I can feel them going on in the background. I can't sleep too well just yet either.

So my thing is - while I know/hope that I will eventually will get it, how can I figure out if this is something that I will be able to handle for the year? (It's only a year long contract).
How do I get a handle on this and not let my anxieties get the best of me? I know that there are a lot of moving parts that IDK yet, or that even involve me - but it seems like you have to be on call a lot, and I think my hours might change throughout the course of the year. Im worried that after a few months, I wont be able to handle it and then quit.

I know Im missing a few other things that I want to get off my chest, but Ill think of them later

Any advice/help or encouraging words are much appreciated!! thanks!

[striking]

Picture yourself, a year from now, successfully completing your contract. Think about all of the knowledge you have acquired and the skills you have learned. Enjoy that feeling of accomplishment, of friends and contacts made throughout that year.

Your coworkers are happy to have you there because you make their life easier. The more inquisitive you are, the more you learn, the more helpful you become.

When struggling think about some of your accomplishments so far, say I did that, and pat yourself on the back.

I just read striking's post then laughed, because I was just about to tell you just to take things a day at a time. That was because of what you said about worrying about not being able things a few months from now.

New jobs are always stressful, even if you're not dealing with anxiety problems, and the training period is especially tough, because someone is looking over your shoulder.

On the positive side, you're in a period of high growth, you're learning lots of new things.

Can you try to make sure you get enough sleep and good food and maybe get outside to get some fresh air at least once during the day? And go easy on the caffeine, if you use it.

In spite of your concerns about the job, I got the impression that you like it.

I don't know if you go to therapy. If you do, maybe your therapist has some tips for you.

[Slamjammer]

I'm betting your employer didn't simply pull your name out of a hat. I'm thinking they probably interviewed several people for your job before deciding that YOU were the best candidate. Yes, YOU.

Have some confidence in yourself. RELAX. Learn the ropes. Do what you already know how to do so well.

A door has been opened for you. Walk through it, stand tall and do your thing!

Good luck to you.

[winter4me]

Me too. With you on this one. A job I really want...here I am---it all seemed too easy---I am trying to just focus on the moment, not always successful but the people are so good...

[bdice]

That's a good point striking I do often remind myself that it's only a year and it's great experience to have-which definitely helps alleviate some of the pressure.

You are right though, I should pat myself on the back more for some of the things I do instead of being hyper critical of myself.

[bdice]

jo_thorne the training period is such a mixed bag, isn't it? Im so grateful for it, but I feel like an idiot while it's going on -ESP when they're looking over my shoulder, no matter how helpful/inviting/friendly they are, I just can't help but to spaz out some of the time.

Im trying to get some decent sleep lately, but it's not happening. The only thing that is happening is that annoying thing when you fall asleep at a decent time and then wake up at 3am wide awake.

Taking breaks is tricky there b/c everyone in my dept seems to not really take a lunch - they all just grab something quickly from the cafeteria and run back to their desk and continue to work. The 1st day I ate at my desk, but my sister made a good point by saying to "set the way" how I want to take my lunch -after all I AM entitled to lunch/break, (right?) I feel a little bad/awkward doing this since none of them do it, but if I sit @ that desk all day long I will GO NUTS + get totally burnt out! I don't want to give off the vibe that Im better or a slacker or...whatever

but anyway, thanks!

[hvert]

Hey, I am sort of in the same boat. For me, it is a lot of anxiety over whether they really understood what my skill set is. As time goes by, it's getting better. I understand that my anxiety/paranoia is really just something *I'm* thinking about. It's getting easier to tune out now that I've been there a couple of months.

Someone in another thread suggested that I remind myself of the value I bring rather than focusing on the stuff that seems overwhelming. That has helped.