How can I stop my self from getting stressed out and over whelmed when I get job?

Question

I'm desperate for a job and my problem is I tend to get stressed out and over whelmed which causes me to mess up and it cost me my first job. I look back and realize how easy how my job was and if I just kept my cool I would of been fine.

How can I become more confident at my job when I get a new one. I don't want this problem of mine getting in the way anymore. I know that I do an amazing job when I know what I'm doing but the other thing is I have horrible people skills.

So how should I work and deal with my stress and my people skills? I'm tired of feeling stupid, my stomach being in knots, and I just want to hide in the corner.

I know that I can do an amazing job because when I'm doing something I know how to do then everything is just right but I know that I'm not going to know how to do every single job.

If someone can help me with my people skills and give me advice on not freaking out at my job when I feel like I'm about to mess up.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Just be yourself and be confident. I had the same exact problem when I first got my job at Old Navy. I felt like there was a lot going on and a lot that was expected of me. What you have to do is gain a personal relationship with your managers and supervisors. Let them know what is on your mind. You can even ask them for guidance. That is a major thing. never be afraid to ask questions. As far as people skills, think of it this way- People expect you to be confident in yourself and not to be afraid to say what you want to say. Why not just give them what they expect. If you come out of your shell you will be so much happier in life. People won't look at you like "I thought she was supposed to be quiet, why is she speaking to me", they will open up to what you have to say. Stressing out can be tough too, the best thing is to step back from the situation and breathe. I once messed up a transaction at the register, and then I couldn't get my mind off of it. Not concentrating on what I was doing then made me mess up again and again. Before I knew it I was in over my head. You have to think of each thing after it happens as "in the past" because you can't take it back and chances are no one expects you to. If you are looking for a job where your people skills will grow, I definetly recommen applying to the Old Navy nearest you. The whole idea behind working there is to have fun. I'm best friends with all of my managers and they know that at times I still can tend to be quiet, and I do mess up from time to time. But there is no pressure to do anything you don't feel confident enough to do. If you ever feel like you can't handle something, they are always open to giving a person advice. No matter what, go for it. Have confidence in yourself and live your life how you want.

Answer 2

OK, take a deep breath... and then another one....

Now, look - EVERYBODY gets stressed out at a new job. You don't know anyone's name - you don't know where the bathrooms are or how to find the way back to your desk - you have no idea what all of the abbreviations stand for - and you can't remember anything they told you in orientation. It is one big stress factory.

Try to remember that it takes most folks a month or two at best to feel comfortable in a new job. Your coworkers generally WANT you to succeed, because they don't want to have to do your job and theirs, too. Take a little notebook or pad with you everywhere and write everything down so you can refer back to it later. If the person who last held your job is still with the company (if they were promoted, for example), make that person your friend because they will be a great resource for you. And of course, you already know that you can ask questions here. :)

In terms of your people skills, I doubt they are that "horrible." You are probably just so nervous that you can't focus well. Try to really listen to what the other person is saying - make eye contact, live in the moment, and try not to get distracted by anything else. Good listening is a big part of being perceived as having good people skills.

Give yourself a break and some positive affirmation - think about all of the nice things that others have said about you. Tell yourself all of the good things you mention in your question - you're competent, you're capable, you can do a great job. Say them over and over until you believe them. :)

Good luck!

Answer 3

This is my unprofessional opinion, influenced by Dr. Phil.

You need to find an acceptable behavior to replace the one (behavior) you wish to change. I would recommend researching ways of relieving stress and find something that works for you. Then, instead of worrying you'll use the new behavior. It takes practice and time, but can work.

You say many positive things and you should focus on that. I bet you can do an amazing job!

What type of people skills do you need to work on? What I'm saying is that there are a variety of different situations.......was there anything in particular that you wanted to focus on?

Answer 4

be realistic about what you can or cannot do. Seek help on the stuff that you don't. Before you think you'll mess up, check with your boss if your approach is correct, and try to get regular feedback on your progress.

Bosses don't mind mistakes, provided you learn from it.

Any time you're feeling stress, take a short break and when you come back, try focus on solving the problem (keep emotions out of it)

good luck

Answer 5

Don't take on too much.