New Job Terror

[Munki]

Well done, Lola Lee. Sounds very different. Does the anxiety knock you sideways or is it normative, existential anxiety?

One day I'm really excited about it, the next I'm in a state. It's tough living with this. The problem is that even with changed hours, I'd probably have the same anxiety. It's about trudging through it all.

I just hope I'm following the right path

This will sound insane. I'm an only child and super close to my Mum. I see a lot of her and she's 'needy' in a wonderful sense. She likes to see me as often as she can. However, this isn't without its pressures (as you can well imagine) and I think an element is concern that she won't know what to do with herself. I visualise these extreme situations where I imagine her winding down and starting to decline. It's crazy, I know, and I can't live that way. She wants me to do this as she's my number one fan, very, very supportive.

Doesn't stop those horrid worries though!

[beatroon]

Funnily enough I've just posted something very similar, about almost getting a full-time job after years of study - I didn't get it, but I was *petrified* that I might, and that I wouldn't cope. Even though for literally years, it's been my dream job. My feelings were very confusing to me and I could see myself in the same place you're in, worrying about having committed and then not being able to get out.

I have figured out a few things:

1. Anxiety lies to us about our capabilities and what is good for us
2. In situations like these, things that look like a good idea when we're feeling confident mostly ARE a good idea
3. I fear feeling trapped in a situation I can't get out of; as soon as someone says, chill out, you CAN leave if you hate it, I calm right down

In practice, what is the worst that can happen? You don't like it; you have a few uncomfortable moments and then you leave in short order. That would be OK, and manageable!