Starting new job, please help me not fuck up - advice?

[TryingAgain14]

What are your top tips for being a good, organised employee?

I am scared. I am going back to the workplace after losing my last job, being diagnosed with depression, and a few other difficult things. The job is something I have mixed feelings about, in one way I'm interested in the company and in another I'm so scared of 5 days a week every week that I want to back out of taking it. But I can't do that, or I will not have January's rent. It's that simple. Plus I think if I can only find a way of being calm, I could actually really enjoy this job once I get used to it. And if I don't, I can always move on.

Basically, I want to try my best to take the opportunity but I feel stuck. Any advice would be great on work ethic, on how to keep going when you feel really shit, on how to feel less tired etc. Time saving advice for not being exhausted in the mornings rushing round etc?

It sounds daft, but nobody else in my family has ever worked so I feel completely on the back foot when it comes to career stuff.

Good luck trying! I an an employer and I would love to employ somebody who cares as much as you do about getting it right. There's been some great tips on here and I was going to give more, from the employer's pov but I won't because actually the main thing is to put one foot in front of the other tomorrow and get through the day. If you get panicked, ask for help. Once you've done it once you won't be the new girl anymore and you can concentrate on learning the job.

Just imagine we are all holding your hands / nagging you to get there tomorrow and you will get there! Good luck with you new job. Xxx

Thinking of you. Wishing you good luck. xx

Op, just wanted to send you positive vibes, and wish you the very best of luck tomorrow. Just keep breathing, and stay as calm as you can. xx

Good luck for tomorrow.xxx

Good luck for tomorrow

Good luck.

Good luck! You can do this.

If it is secretarial work take notes - everything that you are shown, write down the routine, systems, where everything is, important names, numbers, immediate structure - eg your team, your key responsibilities, deadlines etc - taking so much in can be overwhelming so getting it written down will help you remember and be there when you need notes, don't be afraid to ask questions or to offer a brew round.

all the best. I promise after your first day you will feel loads better. so wishing you well & sending loads of love. xxx

Good luck TryingAgain.

Thanks all. It's not going so well here, I can't sleep a wink and feel like crap. Had a panic attack earlier and feel so battered. Have a horrible pain in my stomach and back which is probably just woman's stuff, so given up and taken painkillers and made a cup of tea and come on MN instead of lying tossing and turning.

Iwouldgoouttonight, good luck this morning!!! I hope it gos great. Come back and write how you got on later!

Another person sending you good luck for tomorrow. Distracting yourself enough that you can try going back to sleep in 1/2 an hour or so is probably a good idea. Ultimately, even if you are awake all night it's only 1 day to get through tomorrow and then you'll be tired in the evening and reassured about the job and hopefully sleep through tomorrow night. I worry about not getting enough sleep, which makes me more worried and awake, it helps me to remember that in the grand scheme of things, one night isn't a problem!

Thank you Boleh. I have eaten my work sandwich which was not part of the plan, but I feel better for it! Hopefully I can power through the day and then as you've said, fall asleep easier tonight.

You'll be fine! Try and get a bit more sleep so you're raring to go!

I suffer from panic attacks and my merhod to control it is this:
Breathing into a paper bag to control and slow down my breathing

chewing gum helps loosen the tightness around the jaw and throat

loosen any buttons & slip off shoes if able to do so

eat something sugary to bring up your blood sugar levels

ask your gp for cognitive behavioural therapy if you haven't had any yet

Go for a walk at lunchtime to get some freshair

Good luck and you absolutely can do this.

My tube line is on strike, I can't do this

I know I'm being pathetic but I just don't want to enough. I'm so tired and I can't walk the extra mile from where the bus will drop me off.

Going to email and say I'm sorry but circumstances have changed. I cannot do this.

I felt like you, I swear, and I am sure that a lot of it is the fear/ anxiety/ anticipation. Please go today, please - you'll never know if you don't. Don't let the fear win. I know, I've been sick over it, but please just try today - I am sure after today you will feel so so proud of yourself and so much better. xx

I think when you feel this bad/ out of your comfort zone is when the magic parts in life happen, but I know how stomach-churning hard it is. I really feel for you but you CAN do this.. xx

Sorry, I should have asked: have you emailed them already? x

Please, please go. I am currently in the midst of depression and know exactly what this fear and apathy is like. But think anout how much more scary it will be when you can't pay January's rent. Your self hatred will skyrocket.
It doesn't sound like you have a DP to support you and so we are here instead.

You can do this, you have the strength, use the walk to try and clear your head a little if you can. Have a good day, let us know how you get on.

Meant to say, as support is so very important when you feel like this.

You are NOT pathetic; you are human & you can do this. I have had diarrhoea with the stress and anxiety and always feel better after I have done something I perceive to be hideous - and I am sure you will too, and it will not be hideous. Hugs and loads of love. xx