Is it normal to get anxiety before work?

86% Normal

Before work, and even days before my next shift, I get super anxious about it with the smallest things like:

"I hope I'm going to get there on time" (I"m always early)
"I hope I'm able to answer the questions I get" (most of the time I can)
"I hope I'm doing a good job and don't fail" (I kinda feel like I do?)

I kinda dread my job, but I care a lot about it at the same time. Is it normal?

Voting Results

86% Normal

Based on 22 votes (19 yes)

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Comments ( 28 )

Jimbo24

4 years ago

It's normal in the early weeks/months. Then you should get better and better at your job and it becomes a second nature that you do with eyes half closed, kind of like driving.

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- Holzman_67
  
  4 years ago
  
  I feel I’ve gotten worse at my job through complacency and getting bummed out and jaded about how the company is run
  Always happens to me in jobs
  I’m actually a better employee while new and trying to make a good impression before the job breaks me
  
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  - Jimbo24
    
    4 years ago
    
    I guess that could happen. Though it has more to do with motivation and feeling towards the particular job than ability to do the work you're paid to do. The work itself is like any other task: you tend to get better at it the more you do it.
    
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    - Holzman_67
      
      4 years ago
      
      Yeah that’s true.
      
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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  How early would you say is early months? 1-2 months or more like 5-6 months?
  
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  - Jimbo24
    
    4 years ago
    
    Yeah, I'd say a couple of months, three at most. Then it just becomes something you've done so many times that you know exactly what to do when X arises and how to deal with Y if it comes up, when you've taken enough walks around that block. Confidence is highly tied with certainty of outcome. So the more certain you are in your ability to take care of (that) business, the more confident you are, and the more you'll feel and walk around like you own the place.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      4 years ago
      
      It's been like 5 months, but I haven't built the confidence yet. It's my first job though so I think I have to give it a bit more time haha.
      
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      - Jimbo24
        
        4 years ago
        
        Ask yourself whether the job hasn't gotten easier to perform since you started or not. If the answer is yes, then it's only gonna get even easier as time goes. Think of it this from this perspective and it should take some of the pressure off.
        
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RoseIsabella

4 years ago

What is your job?

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  A simple retail worker
  
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  - RoseIsabella
    
    4 years ago
    
    I have always felt like jobs in retail are petty with the way they treat employees.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      4 years ago
      
      True
      
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- Doesnormalmatter
  
  4 years ago
  
  Heart transplant surgeon who also does vasectomies, seperates siamese twins and does tatoos on the tips of peoples dicks. Doesn't sound stressful does it? I am the OP btw.
  
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  - Anonymous Post Author
    
    4 years ago
    
    Precisely that's exactly what I do how did you know?!
    
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    - Doesnormalmatter
      
      4 years ago
      
      I am the OP! Duh. People will never know hahaha!
      
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leggs91200

4 years ago

Going to work sucks. Any ailments, even tiny ones, seem to amplify when you are there.
Even though you feel like crap cause you are at work, you have to look and act happy and alert. THAT is exhausting.

I often 1/2 joke about going through the stages of grief at work. Those are, work speaking,

Denial - when you are able to convince yourself to be happy.

Bargaining - "It is 2:01, so technically I have LESS than two hours." or maybe "Only 15 minutes until I only have three more hours".

Anger and depression need NO explanation.

Acceptance - "Well, I just had my last break so that means only 1:45 left, yeah, I can make it".

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  That's a really great perspective to look at it. I will definitely try it the next time I head into work!
  
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dimwitted

4 years ago

Do you take a big poop right before work? I find that helps the tension and anxiety.

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- leggs91200
  
  4 years ago
  
  better to take any dumps you can at work. Might as well shit during company time.
  
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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  Na
  
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CapriSun

4 years ago

That’s adorable. Yes it’s normal, i think it’s good and cute you hope to do good things at work. Good luck to you

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  Aww thank you!
  
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TerriAngel

4 years ago

Just do your job.
Its not that hard.
If you like the place, look for ways to move up.
If you dont.
Then do your job and look for something better.
Whatever you do, dont be lazy.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  Being lazy is not something I like to do, even when I'm not working. I think "it's not that hard" is a difficult statement if you don't even know what I work as, but I guess it makes sense.
  
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  - TerriAngel
    
    4 years ago
    
    Anon, Ive worked some crap jobs.
    But a crap job should do one thing.
    Inspire you to find a better job.
    maybe your current job is hard.
    So start looking for something better.
    
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bubsy

4 years ago

Your so self-conscious that you're making your life a personal hell. Lots of people do it, especially younger people. The sooner you stop taking yourself so seriously and realize nobody really cares, the sooner you'll free yourself from these worries.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  4 years ago
  
  Any advice on how to start changing my mindset to that one cause I'd love it.
  
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  - bubsy
    
    4 years ago
    
    Being overly self-conscious goes hand-in-hand with being self-criticizing. Ask yourself this: are you as kind to yourself as you are to your best friend?
    
    When you think to yourself, are you as warm and understanding and forgiving? Do you tend to bolster yourself up or put yourself down? Loving and treating yourself kinder is a habit you can form, and it's the best habit you can have.
    
    It will kill most of your fears.
    
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Is it normal to get anxiety before work?