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So I'm 17, i just started the first day at my first job yesterday, (it was mostly just orientation with all of the other new team members, the manager walked us through the basics) it all went pretty decently. I'm not too worried about the tasks themselves, just need a little more practice with harnessing people (it's a trampoline park with climbing walls.) I'm more so worried about actually trying to fit in along with the other employees. It honestly felt like everyone was able to connect and get along with each other perfectly and then there's just me. I will admit I'm not the greatest at conversing in person, it's always been a struggle for me and I have some bad social anxiety. I guess it doesn't help that this is pretty much my first transition back into the real world, since after covid hit I've spent my time doing online schooling. But I want to be able to feel apart of the team and break out of my shell/be less awkward. Does anybody have any tips I can use to gradually ease myself into being more talkative with my new coworkers and less anxious about it?
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Social Anxiety & New Job
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Reply by xLoveSupreme
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hi stranger, welcome back to the outside lmao
i think work is a rly cool place to practice social stuff bc at the end of the day yall r all there to make money. first key thing is: don't feel pressured to talk if the anxiety is winning-- it just happens sometimes! nothing wrong with a bit of silence.
but if you ARE wanting to talk, it's less about being some sort of like perfectly prepared person and more just about listening to the conversation. if people are talking about a show/music/game, maybe share what you know and some of your opinions: "Hey are yall talking about [insert here]? I love that!! My fav is [blah blah blah]."
if you have none or don't know about it, just say: "I've never heard of [insert here], what is it?" and I promise that'll open up an entire conversation. And the best part is they'll be the ones leading. You can follow up with: "What do you like about [insert here]" or "What's your favorite [insert here]?" Asking good questions goes a long way :3
Good luck at ur new job, and with making friends !!
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