SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker has confessed on social media that she’s been dealing with “severe anxiety” ever since she started her first full-time job seven months ago.
Posting on the r/askSingapore forum on Wednesday (April 4), the worker wrote that, at first, she assumed this was just part of adapting to adult life and that things “would eventually get better”.
However, as time passed, she noticed that her mental health only got worse. She also admitted that, now that she’s “experienced and no longer a rookie,” she feels even more stressed and pressured.
“I don’t know how to handle it,” she lamented. “I feel like I’ve been constantly shutting myself off from people, avoiding going out because I’m too stressed about work—my mind is constantly occupied with it.”
Moreover, she shared that she started seeing a therapist a few months ago, and while things have improved slightly, the stress and anxiety she feels every day still haven’t gone away.
“It’s really affecting me, and I hate how I haven’t been sleeping well. Every morning, I need to drink warm water and listen to anxiety-calming music just to settle myself before work starts,” she wrote.
“I genuinely can’t tell if this is a ‘me’ problem, (I do admit I put a lot of pressure on myself) or if it’s a job-fit issue. My colleagues are also affecting me, and I can’t seem to get the support I need at work. I really want to change jobs, but if the problem is me, then it’s something I need to work on. Also, it’s my first job… How do I fix myself?” she added.
“Do try to find another job – one with a different company culture, or a different scope of work.”
Several Redditors, relating to the worker’s struggles, stepped in to share their advice and personal experiences.
One user, who previously worked for a “horrible” freelance company, suggested that the worker try to pinpoint the root cause of her anxiety. They explained, “I think it’s good to identify what is causing the anxiety and see how you can fix it from there. Just saying “my job is giving my anxiety” won’t help because you haven’t identified the root cause, and of course, there could be multiple contributing factors.”
Another pointed out that while it’s normal to feel anxious in the first few weeks of a new job, experiencing the same level of stress for seven months is a sign that something is wrong.
They then suggested that the issue might be a poor job fit, saying, “There is definitely a job fit issue. Do try to find another job —one with a different company culture, or a different scope of work, something that is different from what you are doing now.
“Lack of supportive colleagues could also be a factor. It is possible that you would thrive in this same job scope but in a different environment with more supportive colleagues. I suggest changing the external factors (company, role) before making any drastic changes to ‘fix’ yourself.”
A third Redditor shared their own experience of dealing with job-related anxiety, writing, “I was like that for the first year of my job as a fresh grad. The behaviour you described like drinking warm water and listening to anxiety-calming music was spot on for me.
“I’m still at the same job, except I don’t care anymore. From my own experience, I think I was forcing myself to take up the work handed to me. I didn’t want to admit that the work was too advanced for me so I suffered this kind of anxiety. Right now, I just admit that I just am not capable enough to do that work. And I find it more freeing.”
Managing job anxiety
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, and it’s normal to feel anxious for a few days, weeks, or even months, according to Sondermind. Here are some tips to help you get through this phase:
Be well-prepared. A big part of the anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect, which is why coming to the office well-prepared always helps. Learn about the company, understand your job responsibilities, and get familiar with your role.
Create a routine to stay on track. This can help you feel more organised and less stressed. Moreover, career experts recommend starting your day with a healthy breakfast, light exercise, or a few minutes of meditation to help calm your nerves before diving into work.
Bond with your colleagues. Hang out with your colleagues and get to know them. If work is tough, they’re probably feeling the same way, and talking about it with them can help.
Take care of yourself. Self-care is super important when you’re starting something new. Make sure you’re sleeping enough, eating well, and exercising regularly. Also, don’t forget to do things you enjoy. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a break and try relaxing techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or even positive affirmations to help you stay grounded.
Get professional support. If your anxiety is still high after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. A therapist can help you manage your stress and develop better coping strategies.
Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
