Am late 40’s.
Always had a reasonably paid professional role since I finished uni many moons ago. Early on I coped - even enjoyed all sides of working life: the team lunches, team bonding activities and days out, large group team meetings. Now I really don’t like them, even go as far as dread if I have to do these things. Does anyone else feel the same? I just can’t be bothered but more importantly it makes me so anxious. I just want to do the job and go home and get paid at the end of the month. Lately I have tried to opt out of these parts but feel it is slightly frowned upon. Also worth mentioning that I suffer from quite debilitating anxiety at times which I largely mask but sometimes am unable to. How that manifests is appearance of shyness and nerves which with people who are friendly is rather embarrassing. I have tried talking therapies over the years and various medications (propranolol, antidepressants) and they may help marginally but not that much and I don’t like how they numb other emotions. If anything over the years it has got worse. I have just started a new job within the last month and worry that this anxiety is going to ruin my chances there as you have to sort of ‘play the corporate game’. Perhaps I have to accept that this is not for me and I should just find a different career type.. It’s just frustrating as I know I am good at the actual job itself and would hate starting again in something entry level.
Anyone else have similar? Any suggestions on strategies? Do your company’s allow you opt out of certain aspects even work from home more. I currently work in the office 3 days a week which is mandatory. Interested to hear other perspectives