Not good day at work today

[Anon315]

Started new job after a career break of nearly seven years. I don’t feel I was at ease or comfortable. There were other new starters too but they seemed comfortable and confident. We had to stand up and introduce ourselves; mine was like a sentence I said my name and one other detail, other people went on for a while talking about themselves. I feel very deflated as I know people must think I’m weird or just awkward. I generally am quiet in a group and more at ease in smaller groups or one to one.

@msfibble That would definitely be my preference too!

Another bad day at work unfortunately. I was really hoping to be positive and come in here and give hope to others who feel like me and read this!

I do genuinely feel my quietness or shyness, is impacting on how I’m feeling about my performance. I did yesterday and today have lunch with colleagues and get along with them. But I think my issue is I feel uneasy around the senior leadership especially headteacher. I’m feeling “on guard” if that makes sense, I can’t relax around the leaders. Any tips please?

Picture them with no clothes on, or sitting on the loo. Or imagine their sex faces
SLT are just teachers who have applied for a different role to you..
I'm married to one.
My DD meanwhile, is a humble TA and has no fear of authority at all. When the head appeared at a whole school staff meeting recently she said "omg, what are you wearing" as he had trainers on with his suit.
A few staff were surprised at her cheekiness but he finds her hilarious and she is at least just being herself.
Relax.

Fellow teacher; I would’ve loved you, less chatter, quicker end to meetings! I’m silent in these situations but love being with the students and come to life.

@Serin your DD sounds lovely! I wish I was that confident around head lol! But I think it’s because she’s had her dad as senior leader so she’s probably used to it!

@Shizzlestix thank you. I feel I will become more confident around kids too. I haven’t actually seen any! They start tomorrow and they’re with form tutor all day so won’t see them until Friday.

Being a little guarded to begin with is fine. Some headteachers are excellent and others not. it can take time to suss that out.