Fear of Working and the Unknown
I just graduated with my Bachelors degree in Psychology, whoo! But it's bittersweet because now I'm thrust into the working world, I'm currently on a job hunt, and i do want to work - but there's a part of me, a huge part of me that feels so anxious, school was what i knew for so long. School was predictable and safe. The world of work is so daunting to think about, I'm bombarded by thoughts like what if i mess up at work? what if people think I'm mean because I'm very shy and don't talk much? I don't know how I'll react in "typical corporate" situations and that scares me.
First off, as a huge congratulations to you for finishing your degree! Your ability to navigate college and succeed academically is a sign of your determination, dedication, perseverance, and probably an strong indication of your passion.
While it can very scary to step into the working world, the skills you developed in school are still relevant to the work place. Think about the times you’ve navigated school projects, dealt with difficult assignments with strict time limits, or even learning something new that truly challenged you to grow.
The work place is about fulfilling a role, and depending on what kind of an organization you work for, how they support you or respond to you will differ. Interviews are important, as a consequence, of deciphering which company invests in you and honors your needs and boundaries. A good company will understand that mistakes are a part of the learning process. They will provide help and careful conversations about how to move forward with improvement. They focus on strengths and about learning rather than punishment. Good company cultures would also be inclusive of people who are more reserved, understanding that everyone is different and has different strengths and weaknesses. Much of modern work is about teamwork and collaboration, so having different people is also a great way to keep teams on their toes and away from groupthink.
I think the most important questions about this process are not actually about whether you’ll fit in or whether you’ll be a great match. It is about asking yourself what do you truly need to succeed and thrive. Once you know this, then this will guide you in your decisions about who to work for, and if an imperfect job is taken, what do you need to do within your own power to help you get to where you need to go.
