Advice? Should I quit? Am I not competent enough to do anything? Intern.?

Question

I'm an intern. Today my boss made me work on an extremely redundant and boring job for hours, all by myself. I felt invisible and unappreciated. It's been two days now that he has given me this task. After the first two hours I got extremely upset and was trying to hold back tears. I thought maybe I'm not smart enough or quick enough for this job. He is always saying what a wonderful job all the other interns are doing and I get a Thank You. I wanted to talk to him, but I always end up having a breakdown. I don't want him to see me crying. My problem is that I have trouble paying attention to what they are saying, and I don't learn as fast as the other interns. They don't know how to explain things to me in a way that I can understand them. I make mistakes here and there. I'm beginning to hate myself and the fact that I have problems concentrating. My boss does get frustrated with me.

Answer 1

Some things take longer for some people to learn. You should hang in there rather than dumping all of the coursework you have accomplished. Just because it takes you longer to pick up on things than seems standard doesn't mean you will not be extremely talented once you do get it down. I have an IQ of 150, but I am dyslexic as hell. I can't learn anything by someone verbally telling me about it. I have to view it being done or learn it on my own. It takes me longer to learn some things than it takes others, despite my intelligence putting me in the either the "extremely gifted" or "genius" categories. Once I learn it, I excel beyond anyone else. Maybe you're like that. Give it time before quitting. You sound like a sensitive person who wants to be the best. That is a good motivator. With that kind of incentive, eventually you will do well.

Another thing to keep in mind is that an internship is supposed to be a learning experience - to apply what you've learned in actual processes that cause you to learn more. Maybe you picked up on different things in the classes you took than the people surrounding you. There may be other phases or aspects of a project you will be better at than they are.

Answer 2

That's why your an intern and not an employee. I went through the same thing and quit...I still kick myself. The more experience you have when you apply for a job the better. EVEN if it it small daily things you learn about the business you are going into. Even if you are just exposed to things you wouldn't be if you weren't there. Besides, an internship is a great way to start your resume in your field! Maybe ask some other interns what you are doing wrong.
I am kicking myself right now! Don't quit!!!

Answer 3

Difficulties with concentration can be from a variety of factors. It can be very frustrating and upsetting. If difficulty concentrating affects anyone, I would recommend speaking to a doctor. There are simple health and environmental causes for the problem that can be resolved very quickly. Sometimes very practical solutions make all the difference in the world.

There are so many solutions available -- I would hate to see you quit, give up, or feeling so crummy over something that is easily assessed and dealt with.

Answer 4

It sounds like dyslexia. Information is coming in and it takes considerable effort to weigh and consider all of what it means.
Most peoples brains are wired with important direct connections and their brains hemispheres are different by about 5 to 10 percent.
The dyslexic brain hemispheres are equal in size due to the enormous amount of extra connections created during learning.
Learning takes longer but you see much more that most people.
Stop your crying and take hope. there is a therapy developed to help make those missing connections take root.
But for now, don't grade yourself by others. your success may take a little more time, but you will have a tremendous advantage.

Answer 5

The first step is to stop feeling sorry for yourself.
Tell your boss you feel like you're not getting enough slack, and maybe ask for a more respectable task.

And you could bring a recorder to work, so you can replay the directions as often as you need to,
After completing each step, for example.

Answer 6

Yes,if this kind of job isn't right for you, then it isn't. And it's not a big deal, i am the same as you! In fact i just started a new job at a hospital and im really scared! I HOPE i do well, but, you know, if it doesnt work out then i guess i'll try something else. And you know bosses, they all have trees up their butts!

Answer 7

If you try to learn as much as you can where you are, you will know when it is time to leave.
If you can listen to others without forming judgment and try to dissolve the box of fear and hope, you will become everyone's favorite.
If you always speak the truth with compassion and consideration, your word will become the law of the universe.
The question is not, "What's wrong with me.?"
The question is, "What do I believe that is leading me to unhappiness."
For seeing things from other perspectives check out http://www.erhardsculp.net
For confidence building based on realizing you own greatness, check out http://www.sgi-org.

Answer 8

I may say that you are a little depressed these days. Maybe you had something bad recently... Anyways, if you think you have problems with concentration why don't you read some books on it. My suggestion is to download this book from here http://www.mininova.org/tor/727740

You need a bittorrent client (such as utorrent or ktorrent) to download it.

Answer 9

Pls dun quit...all of us go thru the same thing at a certain pt of our life.

I suggest..u stay and absorb as much as u can
Then u 'll ve better chances to grab a job ltr.

ALWAYS STAY STRONG!!
God bless.

Answer 10

i am sorry to hear that.
i do know that you are disppointed.
maybe it is time for you to try another job.
i think job is very important for us.if we can do it well,just try
another one.