constanterratic
New member
Hi everyone! I have never really posted before so, um, hi! Anyway, I'm having a bit of a crisis:
I will be moving to Calgary in three months. I will need to find work, and even though I have a degree, I really lack practical work experience.
I have had a few jobs in the past that required interviews, but the interviews really traumatized me, and I couldn't hold on to those jobs for long. So, now I'm completely terrified of applying for work.
The only work I did during university was menial labour (and only ever for my parents) that kept me in very isolated (brainless) situations. Even then, I would be clumsy and berate myself for not being able to catch on to things quickly. After university, I moved in with my sister who let me avoid work for two years. So, now, I feel like those housewives that are suddenly thrust into the work force. I feel ancient, under-qualified, and completely out of touch with the outside world.
I know work is just a fact of life, and many of you can just force yourselves out there, but that is the one area, social anxiety-wise, that I struggle with the most. I have spent my entire life avoiding work, and if I did get "lasting" work, it was only ever through my few friends and family. It's really embarrassing to go to an interview with no experience, and no sound references. It's even more embarrassing to deal with the people in my life who are incredulous that I can't get myself out into the working world (as if I enjoy being an unemployed loser).
Anyway, I guess I'm just hoping to hear from other Calgary people that might be able to suggest places of work that are easy on people like me (ie easily frazzled, socially phobic). But I would appreciate coping strategies, or job suggestions, from anyone.
Thank you,
Constant.
Oh, by the way, are there any active support groups in Calgary? Or maybe people that would like to email me some helpful Calgary tips? Apart from the whole job thing, I'm excited to start a new (and hopefully more socially active) life in Calgary.
I will be moving to Calgary in three months. I will need to find work, and even though I have a degree, I really lack practical work experience.
I have had a few jobs in the past that required interviews, but the interviews really traumatized me, and I couldn't hold on to those jobs for long. So, now I'm completely terrified of applying for work.
The only work I did during university was menial labour (and only ever for my parents) that kept me in very isolated (brainless) situations. Even then, I would be clumsy and berate myself for not being able to catch on to things quickly. After university, I moved in with my sister who let me avoid work for two years. So, now, I feel like those housewives that are suddenly thrust into the work force. I feel ancient, under-qualified, and completely out of touch with the outside world.
I know work is just a fact of life, and many of you can just force yourselves out there, but that is the one area, social anxiety-wise, that I struggle with the most. I have spent my entire life avoiding work, and if I did get "lasting" work, it was only ever through my few friends and family. It's really embarrassing to go to an interview with no experience, and no sound references. It's even more embarrassing to deal with the people in my life who are incredulous that I can't get myself out into the working world (as if I enjoy being an unemployed loser).
Anyway, I guess I'm just hoping to hear from other Calgary people that might be able to suggest places of work that are easy on people like me (ie easily frazzled, socially phobic). But I would appreciate coping strategies, or job suggestions, from anyone.
Thank you,
Constant.
Oh, by the way, are there any active support groups in Calgary? Or maybe people that would like to email me some helpful Calgary tips? Apart from the whole job thing, I'm excited to start a new (and hopefully more socially active) life in Calgary.