I'm going back to work after 7 years......

look at the mirror and tell yourself that "I can do it" what you're feeling now is normal, don't panic you will be ok. the most important thing you are having this chance to move forward. take one day at a time. in the event that you feel you cannot perform then you can always quit and try again. Good luck. My prayers.

Congrats on the job! I went back to work last year after many years away to stay home with the kids. What I found was the things I was nervous about like how would the kids do or the actual job weren't the problem at all but the training I did. I used to love school and think if I had the money I would go back but I wonder now. The training was 2 and a half days and we had to sit in chairs and desks for hours. I was fidgety and found it difficult to sit that long. If it was a computer screen I would have probably been fine. HEHE But I didn't expect that to be a problem. When the first real day of the job came I was so nervous and was basically on my own. But I got used to it fast and had a great time talking to all the people. You are very personable and I think you'll do great! The nerves will shake off once your there a bit. Have fun! Vicki

I can just imagine how scared I would be if I was starting a job now. I haven't worked in a little over 5 yrs. myself other than doing things like delivering phone books or helping my husband. I did have an errand service for awhile but there wasn't much market for it here. I have found that meditation helps me to relax and focus better. I think you'll do fine. If it doesn't work out it doesn't mean you are a failure. It just means that the job is not for you. Give it a shot and do the best you can. You may love it. If not, then find something else. I suffer from depression and ADD so it is hard for me to work in certain environments too. I work better where I'm not around too many people all the time. I help my husband with his route delivery some and I was more relaxed doing that sort of thing.

Everyone has anxiety about starting a new job. You have worked before and done fine and you are now attempting to go back in the work force. Be patient and see how it works out. If it doesn't work out the way you want it to don't worry over it. There are many jobs out there that you can possibly do.

Well first of all, congratulations in getting a job in the first place after so long....the job market is tough out there, and the mere fact that you landed this job should be a good ego booster for you. I haven't worked in years either due to my own "problem" and have been on disability benefits..and yes, it does sux--so I know exactly where you're coming from on that level. It's not just you though...anyone, but anyone who is starting a new job will feel nervous--the worrying about being proficient about it--this is human nature...It would be strange if you weren't nervous...But just look at it as a great opportunity, a new start, a new stage in life, and perhaps one for the better...a new beginning to yourself...So give yourself a pat on the back!!

I'm not sure how to help you get over it. Nor do I know if my best advice would help you at all. My thoughts on life is ...who cares what others think! so I never go into anything wondering if I'll do something stupid or people think I'm wierd or whatever. But I'm going to make the guess that's not as easy for you being a manic depressive. I guess the only thing you can really do is ask questions, make sure you understand and try it. I mean...sounds stupid but you never know until you try right?

CONGRATULATIONS!! i am glad that you have actually decided to work again. the word itself is a huge boost and motivation. money is an important thing but more than that its the openness of mind that relievesv the pressure. sweetie, donot worry, you will do great, i am sure. just improve your self esteem. good luck!!

Congratulations!!! I dont know where to start lets say I have been there. I work in a fast food store almost 7 years ago. I did great and even got promoted to production controller in the kitchen. After my contract ended I went to school and graduated just 2 years and a half ago. Since then I have been hunting for a job until now. It really sucks staying at home and thinking you could have done a lot. There is a great worry that I might not meet what they expect of me... The same thing you worry. Failure, how to start, how deal with people. Chill relax, give it your best shot. try to asks questions about what you need to know regarding your job. Good luck!

Don't worry about it. don't stress. Tell people that you have never done this before, tell them you have not worked in a long time. Be honest. Most people will be happy to help, especially when they realize that you are willing to learn and willing to work.

Well first on, congratulations on going out and getting a job in the first place, You faced your fears and insecurities and that is a great first step. Plus you will feel so much better about yourself with a little pocket change as padding for you. I hope CVS gives you a discount too. I know I spend WAY too much in there :-) Since you are new, people will cut you some new slack in the begining. Your point about working with people who have been working for years is actually a good one. These are people you can watch and learn from. Find someone who you think is doing a good job and learn from them. I think in about a week things will come second nature to you too. And remember, the golden rule in customer service and in like....treat others like you want to be treated, and I don't think you will have any problems. Good luck!

Awwwww HUGS ctry. I feel for you honestly. After 7 years I would probably be feeling the same way you do now. I am not sure what to say to help put you at ease other than take each day as it comes, think positive thoughts about how GOOD you are and that YOU can do this. I wish you all the best in your new job and good on you for getting out there again. YOu can do it ctry! YOU CAN :):)

Hello ctrymuziklvr Calm down friend, don't be to afraid of that. Just be your self and do the best. Working outside can make you more experience and meet lot of people. I knew that first time always make you nervous, look at in the mirror and said that you can do it twenty times, and you will feel better. I always do that every time I get nervous, or I can speak to my self that everything will be fine then I will be more confidence. Good luck and God bless you *angel

Last year i was in this same position. I hadnt worked for quite a few years, and then went back to work. I was so nervous, but i just tried my best, and got through that first day. After that it got easier. I am sure you will be fine. It is so great that ou have got the job, so just try your best, and if you need help with anything, dont be afraid to ask. Best wishes to you

Congrats for that, as that itself is aachievemnt for you, and you should be proud of that. I can understand what you must be undergoing. But all these aprehensions, the scared, and rejected feeling etc, will all vanish as soon as you join work. This is but natural, to feel this way, after such a long gap. Just be sure about yourself, tell yourself what youre heading for and doing, is right, and that you are the best. Let people think what they want about you, let it not matter to you. They have been in this for a longer period maybe, but within no time, i am sure you will also be at par with them.Do not be afraid of failures, as they also teach you many things along the way. And for the nervous spells, i would sugesst you take onto deep breathing and yogic exersices. Think positive and you will be positive.

Congratulations Ctrymuziklvr! I imagine that fear is not the only emotion you are experiencing. I'm sure there's also: excitement, curiosity, anticipation, satisfaction and pride as well. So, what I suggest is: that you write down everything that you're feeling about this change in your life. If you feel 10 or 20 different emotions about the change, then fear is only 1/10 or 1/20 of your emotional reaction to this new part of your life. So yes, the fear is genuine, but it is only a fraction of your overall response. Once categorized, you can then elect to pull forward another of the emotional reactions to counter the fear, when it emerges. This will make the fear manageable for you. As for interacting with your new co-workers -- you're going to find that it's easier than you might remember. They're just people, too. So, if you remain conscious to treat them as you wish to be treated, then you'll be fine. Also, remember that there is no shame in not knowing how something should be done. How could you possibly know, until you've done it. So, one of the best tactics is to ask others who have more experience than you. Plus, by asking them to share their wisdom and experience, you will be stroking their egos. That's usually a good way to break into a work environment. As you get to know your co-workers as individuals, you'll begin to get a feel for how to interact with them as individuals. Remember to listen, be open to learning their methods, thank everyone for their assistance regularly, and be as nice to them as you would like them to be to you. Oh, and don't expect perfection out of yourself right away. Perfection comes with practice & experience. I would suggest that you keep a little pocket-sized notebook and pencil in your pocket. That way, when you need to memorize certain cash register key strokes, or codes, or whatever ... you can jot them down, so that you'll be confident in remembering that info the next time. This opportunity presents a whole new world of interaction for you. So, try to remember how you saw the world as a child. Everything was shiny, bright and new, full of adventure and opportunity. Some days will be grand, others not so much so. But, each morning when you wake up, you'll have the satisfaction of recognizing your accomplishments of returning to work after a long hiatus. You're gonna' be just fine. Take a deep breath, and imagine all the good that will result from this change. Congrat's again!

i understand of what you felt now..but theres really nothing to be nervous in working and meeting with people again in a work place,just remember that you have experienced this before and at least you know the environment in a workplace..cheer up ok,,think only the positive effects on working again..and good luck!!

try to be confident that you are going to do your best and be fine. everyone is nervous when they start a new job...when i started the job that i am at now...i felt like they were going to let me go for every day of the first 3 months (which is the honeymoon period here - bosses can fire you without reason during those first 3 months) i guess my problem was lack of confidence, sometimes i still feel like that (i have been there for about 9 months. hang in there!

Congrats on getting the job. You will do fine. Mistakes are going to happen, everyone makes them. No big deal. Just have fun. Don't even think of it as a job, cosider it something you are doing for yourself (getting out, meeting new people, learning new things) and hey, they are even going to pay you to do it. It is common to be nervous about a new thing in your life. Congratulate yourself for being human and still in touch with your feelings. Good luck on your first day. I am excited with you.

i can empathize with you being in the same situation off and out of a real job for 7 years. when i decided to go back, i was anxious too, worried all the time about adjustments and insecurity for my long unused skills. but don't worry too much. sometimes, worry or fear is just in the mind that worms in your brain if you allow it to be. relax, take it easy a step at a time. you just have to go there, do your work as it is being asked for and give a little extra. be polite with people. decent and respectful in your dealings with them, and smile, if not for them, but for yourself. count it a blessing that you have a job to wake up to in the morning. it means that you're able and capable. don't worry if you make mistakes, as we are all bound to make one or two or many. just be willing to learn from it and correct yourslef. be serious in your job but not too much that you have to forget about yourself. you live for yourself first and foremeost, and not for the company - although, you have to work to obtain this mutual relationship. don't forget to take care of yourslef. at the end of the day especially when it get's rough, reward yourself with a good cup of coffee, or a movie, etc... learn to work and to live at the same time. think that work is just a part of life but it is not your life. i do all the time. so that when frustration comes, and there's tons of it at work, i'll just say to myself, well, ot's just another day at the office. good luck. i'm wishing you well.

relax my friend, we believe in you, you will be fine..its like your starting all over again like when you are 15 years old..difference is your way better now than when you are 15..you will get used of it and people may understand if you will make some mistake..people makes mistake and by mistake we learn..thats how its gonna be with you..just be yourself..do whatever you can do to contribute with your job sometime you will get used of it like its a thing for your everyday life..i wish you will do great for you new job and that i hope you will adjust on a short period of time..good luck