Struggling to find a job I feel confident/capable of doing...

[hjs1295]

Hello,

I'm 23 and have been doing retail basically since I finished high school. I've mainly been a cashier, which I realise for some people would be an absolute nightmare because of the constant interaction with people. While it has never been an ideal or well paying job, I've become quite capable over the years. I recently left a job to do something else (selling luggage at handbag/luggage store) and with only being two days in, was overcome with absolute dread. On my second shift yesterday, I ended up getting such a bad stress headache I barely was able to take in the training information. Today, my manager ended up being late, and I was overcome with anxiety and had to leave saying I was sick once they got there.

This is the third job where this has happened and I quit within the same 3-4 weeks because I felt too overwhelmed during the training. I'm wondering if it is worth going out of my comfort zone anymore, or if I should just accept what I know, and take the jobs I know I'm capable of. I've also been thinking of going to a career counselor and was wondering if anyone had any experience with that, where they were actually helpful/sympathetic towards you?

I apologize for the long post.. this is the first time I've really reached out about this kind of thing.

 

[Hurt&Hopeful]

Hey there! That sounds like classic anxiety, and I'm so sorry. I've been I'm my current job for about 7 years, and my first couple of weeks were the same. I got so sick, and I ended up having to take sick days, and it was just a mess. I made it through, though, and it's turned out to be a great job.

Have you asked yourself what's the worst thing that can happen? Worst case scenario: you fail. You can't do it. You go back to what you're doing now. But best case scenario, you learn something new and you like it. Nobody can tell you what's best for you, though - you will make a good decision. Be gentle with yourself in the process.

Are you in any kind of treatment for anxiety? It sounds like some therapy might help you get over this hump?

 

[hjs1295]

Thank you for the reply!

I haven't had any kind of treatment or therapy, other than a consultation over the phone, where I basically answered questions and then was told I have extremely low self esteem. The counselor recommended me a book on mindfulness, which I haven't read in a while. I did find it very helpful though, as it kind of walks you through the steps of just processing things one thing at a time.

I definitely understand what you mean about the worst case scenario.. I tend to get hung up over little things, whether it be work/social situations/relationship.

I'm really glad your job worked out for you and you were able to adjust. I have decided to return to my previous job for the time being until I feel a bit more confident and decide what to do next.

 

[Hurt&Hopeful]

There is certainly nothing wrong with that. You know what's best for you, and you are smart and capable of making good decisions, right? When you're ready, you can take whatever steps you want! You might look into getting some support and help for it - talking to a therapist might help you get some coping skills. I know it's helped me so much. Hang in there!

 

[hjs1295]

Thank you!