To have really struggled with this at work today?

[098j]

I'll preface by saying that I have handed in my notice at work as I know it's not suitable for me, I functioned a lot better in my previous work environment so am looking for a new job that is better suited for me. I also strongly suspected that I am autistic.

This morning I logged onto work feeling really stressed out about a project of mine so I was already feeling overwhelmed. I find Mondays stressful as I have lots of meetings, so it's hard to get actual work done.

My manager messaged me and apologised for the late notice but that it was my turn to do 'show and tell' in our team meeting that morning (where we talk about something interesting we've recently watched/read/seen - usually something like a recent museum exhibit or art gallery they have attended) and they had forgotten to tell me. I had nothing prepared for it, and it just took me completely by surprise and I just burst into tears (I was WFH). I know I would have been expected to just muddle something together last minute but I can't. I get anxious speaking up in meetings that if I had known it was my time I would have spent my entire weekend thinking up something to talk about and preparing for it. If it had been a work-related presentation I would have been ok, but I find these more casual ice breaker kind of things stressful.

I feel silly for reacting like that, and don't know why I couldn't have just got on with it. I don't understand why I'm like this

YANBU

Total cringe forced fun, I couldn't bear this - it would make me anxious too and I would really resent spending work time on it. I just can't imagine a scenario where people would do a quiz in work time - so weird.

Surely people have conversations along the way about their interests etc naturally - at which point they are authentic and genuinely enjoyable?

If you've already handed in your notice I'd just say you're not doing it - what's the point?

@Nicecow

Maybe if you 'don't understand' you could try reading the posts where peopel have eloquently described their difficulties with this?

Or just make sure to work only with socially confident extroverts...

PS Fun: lighthearted pleasure, enjoyment, amusement

I've been asked to do it this week instead and I'm panicking :( I don't know how to get out of doing it. If it was work-related I'd just muddle through but when it's personal I don't know what to do. I feel so trapped and the end of my notice period can't come quick enough

Please is anyone able to help me find a way of getting out of this? I can't do it

I would either (especially as you're leaving anyway), email your boss and say you won't be doing it, it causes you significant stress and is a contributing factor in your decision to hand your notice in.

Or....(and this would be my preference even as someone who would also find this horrifying), just come up with something. Keep it impersonal. Make it as brief as you can get away with. Create a few slides, over rehearse it so you know exactly what to say.

The relief when you do it and the boost it will give to your confidence will be immeasurable.

When do you have to do it? Agree with PP about options. If you do do it, keep it simple. Anything you've watched on TV recently? Even experience of not wanting to do something and seeking help and options on how to do it. Can make up the subject or could just be honest. Someone else will appreciate it and you're leaving soon anyway. Don't include that it's a reason you're going though.

I would be tempted to do a presentation about how stressful this has been, explain that you sought other opinions and for each slide to be one of your favourite posts on this thread, with Munsnetters describing what a load of bollocks it is.

You're serving your notice period so there can't be any repercussions and if anyone else quietly hates it, they'll thank you

I would have an honest conversation with your manager about how much anxiety this is giving you and you would rather not participate, that you are happy to do the work but the idea of sharing your personal life and presenting to a group is making you ill. A decent manager would understand.