AIBU to ask how hard a job as a very part time estate agent can be?

[PeppermintDrop]

Because I'm on the brink of turning down a very much needed job due to nerves and a lack of confidence!

I work for myself but need a little extra money right now as do a lot of us, so this seemed ideal.

It's only 8 hours a week, just as a sales negotiator and showing people round houses etc etc

Problem is, I suffer with anxiety sometimes and I've got myself in a tizz. I'm not great with computers and I'm terrified I won't be able to do any of it - from turning on the computer to actually using it!

Showing people round houses is something I would be comfortable with - having to update something online ... what happens if I can't do this and they think I'm an idiot?

I'm about to turn it down because I don't want to make a fool of myself but a small part of me is telling me to try and overcome these nerves

WWYD

[Mummaganoush]

Better to try and fail than let anxiety stop you! Better have a confirmed fail than what ifs!

[NovaDeltas]

You're posting on Mumsnet. You can use a computer.

[ChimChimeny]

Is it purple bricks? If so beware of them signing you up for way more viewings then your agreed hours

[PeppermintDrop]

@NovaDeltas ha, I absolutely can! You got me there!

I only use an iPad or iPhone though. I'm not particularly familiar with word or whatever it is.

It's a relatively local to me job and I know a couple of the people who work there - I'd describe them as acquaintances. I'm very worried I'll do something stupid and have to leave - I have previous form for this!

[PeppermintDrop]

@ChimChimeny no, it's a lovely local firm who I've actually gone through twice buying my own homes in the past

[vix3rd]

They will show you how to do the updates. Just make sure to take proper notes with each step written out.

[PeppermintDrop]

@Mummaganoush I know you're right 😞

[PeppermintDrop]

@vix3rd yes, I could take a notebook and right down each step. Would that look utterly stupid?

I'm err probably on the spectrum potentially, dunno. About to have some screening because this work thing is a life long issue for me, hence why I have to work for myself usually!

But I could do with a little extra money and that's why I'm in this situation!

[PeppermintDrop]

*write down. I can spell!

[Iheartgeraniums]

Listen my dear, there’s a reason they say ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’.

EVERYONE feels like they can’t do it on the first day.

ONE, watch the ted talk with Amy Cuddy on faking it til you make it (she’s lovely, it’s not a scam, it’s about stress hormones).

TWO - imagine you are an average guy with great confidence - you’d be like ‘Ted old boy, they’re lucky to have you!’ Imagine you are Ted.

THREE, tell yourself that if you hate it, you’ll give it a few weeks then tell them you have been given the biggest freelance contract of your life and you can leave. FOUR, there are brilliant YouTube videos on how to use all Microsoft office programmes.

[UpendedPineapple]

@PeppermintDrop

@vix3rd yes, I could take a notebook and right down each step. Would that look utterly stupid?

I'm err probably on the spectrum potentially, dunno. About to have some screening because this work thing is a life long issue for me, hence why I have to work for myself usually!

But I could do with a little extra money and that's why I'm in this situation!

It wouldn't look stupid, it shows you're trying!

My pet hate is showing people things and them not making notes and then forgetting.

Give it a go! It might be the start of a new more confident you

[Iheartgeraniums]

By the way it sounds like a lovely job, uou will enjoy it! And most people would love a lovely calm peaceful person rather than an aggressive salesperson to show them round a house!

[SarahDippity]

But also, ask for training. Nobody is going to let you loose without proper training!

[tenbob]

@PeppermintDrop

@vix3rd yes, I could take a notebook and right down each step. Would that look utterly stupid?

I'm err probably on the spectrum potentially, dunno. About to have some screening because this work thing is a life long issue for me, hence why I have to work for myself usually!

But I could do with a little extra money and that's why I'm in this situation!

It’s not stupid at all

it shows you are diligent, have attention to detail and want to get it right

[Applebark]

Everyone takes notes when new in the job. Top lawyers, IT, data experts, payroll - everyone. It would look strange if you didn't' - it shows you are willing to learn.

[titchy]

How have you got through life not knowing how to use a basic word processor

Lord help when it comes to excel or updating Rightmove listings!

Yay how to boost someone's confidence - aren't you a peach.

Word isn't a basic word processor btw, and OP said she isnt that familiar - not that she's got no clue. She uses an iPad - there's no difference in terms of ability level between doing something in an iPad and doing it on a computer.

OP as I always said to my anxious ds - try it for three weeks. You can quit after that, but you have o give it a go first.

[Salvia89]

It’ll be fine! Just say “Hope you don’t mind me taking notes whilst you show me how to do this, so that i don’t have to ask you next time”. They’ll be glad for it!

[Hollyhocksarenotmessy]

Do you have an access to a computer to get more comfortable with one? If not, most libraries have ones you can use.

[FiveShelties]

That will be really helpful to OP, I am sure she will be really grateful for your comments🙄

[ICouldHaveCheckedFirst]

Remember they have given YOU the job - they have confidence in you!
They will provide training on any systems they need you to use - if they needed you to be a whizz with MS Word they'd have tested you at interview, so stop fretting.
Taking notes is only sensible. And don't be afraid to check anything that's not clear - they'll respect you for it.
You can do this, OP!

[FiveShelties]

Take notes and don't be afraid to ask for help

and

Good Luck

[Wiaa]

It's very normal to make notes when being trained, imo it makes you look interested and professional. like pp mention it's actually more annoying when people don't.
Go for it!!

[Blibbleflibble]

@PeppermintDrop

@vix3rd yes, I could take a notebook and right down each step. Would that look utterly stupid?

I'm err probably on the spectrum potentially, dunno. About to have some screening because this work thing is a life long issue for me, hence why I have to work for myself usually!

But I could do with a little extra money and that's why I'm in this situation!

I work in and have a Masters in a computer related field. I still take notes when shown new software and hardware. It will make you look organised not incompetent. X

[Suedomin]

Of course you can do it. You can use Mumsnet and I'm sure you use other programmes too?
They will.show.you how to use the programme for the updates.
Good luck!