First shift, freaking out.

[Poppy_recreation]

I posted before bout my training for the job I got hired from (sorry if this is getting old, I just need support).
I got hired at a grocery store as a part-time cashier, I'm 18 and have never had a job. I've been home-schooled and sheltered my whole life and now trying to get out in the world and make something of myself and be better.
I completed my training and had to call the manager the next day to see when I would be on schedule. I called, and she said I will be working deli. That news completely ruined my day. I have been going back to this store for the past two months trying to get in as a cashier and being told I was hired as one and now they are putting me on deli. I know I probably sound spoiled, or over dramatic but it honestly ruined my whole day yesterday, once I got off the phone I cried for three hours and for the rest of the day I could not think about it without crying. I will be going in today later on and honestly, don't know how I will handle it, I haven't been trained at all for deli work, I don't really like touching raw meat, and I am just so stressed and worried about everything. I will be working four days this week in the deli and don't even know when they will train me for cashier like I applied for and was told I would be working as.
I'm sorry if I sound ungrateful or spoiled for complaining about this but I'm really freaking out. I was freaking out about being a cashier but now I'm really freaking out. Help and advice would be great.

 

[Peanutbuttercup]

First day of school...first day of a new job...they are always nerve wracking. Here is the key to success in a new job...ready? No matter what task they give you, no matter how stupid or mind numbing, ACT like it is the most fascinating, engrossing thing ever, and that you would love to do it. Your boss will love you. You can do this!

If it helps any, if the deli is where the lunch meats are, they are cooked.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[Kaynil]

Don't worry, Poppy. It is far from getting old, if you need some reassurance and tips it is good you come here.

I understand about it ruining your day. You said it yourself how much effort it took you to finally get hired in the position you were looking for. It feels a bit like you were cheated out of it when you get told out of nowhere that things are going to go differently. Sometimes that is the way it goes, you try your best to run from a certain position in life and somehow you end u being put right in the centre of it. I understand though, that you are not complaining just to be ungrateful but because of how scary the position sounds to you. It makes sense the whole thing hit you hard being your first job and not having the same experiences as other people. It is intimidating.

However, just like before, remember that no matter where they put you, they need to explain to you how things work, even if you had worked in a similar position, they have to give explain you and no matter what it is you will learn through repetition and feel more comfortable with it.

Adding to the tips you received, I'd say that it is best you ask, even if you have to repeat questions. Don't dwell on how much of a fool you think you'd look. From experience, I can tell you it will usually look better than you ask again than to make a mistake because you tried to assume so do ask them while they are showing you, and repeat what you're seeing happening so they can correct you if you didn't understand anything. When is your turn to do things, take your time. It is your first shift and you want to get the hang of it, so don't try to do things as fast as the rest.

My second tip is that rather than feeling less because of it, try to juice the "I'm a newbie" card. You're learning and even the customers tend to be understanding when you tell them is your first day, week, you're not used to that area, etc. Usually voicing the worry rather than keeping in my brain helped me to move on. You feel anxiety build because you feel you're being slow, find a way to express it. For example, "Thank you for your patience. It's my first time using this machine". I do have the bad habit of over-apologising but I also make sure to really thank the people who give me of their time to help me. So if you have a reason to apologise you can try to spin it into a gratitude one, as that sounds more positive and will make your coworkers know their actions were appreciated.

I probably arrived kinda late for the advice, I hope your day went better than what you expected.