work feels uncomfortable

LazyHermitCrab

Well-known member
This might sound like a joke but I've been at the same retail job for 4 years and I still haven't got along with coworkers. When I walk in a room they go silent. One of the guys seems almost embarrassed if I talk to him. Usually they stand in a group. Too scary for me to just walk up, but I try to talk to them one on one, but it's not a "real conversation". I can go 8 hrs not talking to them. People in other sections sometimes talks to me, but I don't work enough to be able to transfer to another department. I'm stuck here until I graduate. It's emotionally draining :/ If it was an office job it would be a little better but stocking next to eachother is lonely when they talk to eachother and sometimes talk about how quiet I am and I can hear :/
 
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PugofCrydee

You want to know how I got these scars?
It can be tough once peoples perceptions of you have been decided.
Probably the least helpful thing you can do is stress about it. People have the uncanny knack of picking up when someone is uncomfortable.
Its funny though, your comments almost sound like me a couple of years ago.
One thing I learned is people in the workplace fall generally into 2 categories.
Social and the workers.
If at least, you are very good at what your job is, people will respect you for it.
That in itself is a tool you can use to build bridges to others.
Worry less about being socially accepted for now, build workplace respect. Eventually opportunities - small ones, will present themselves to be more social.
Probably one thing that makes people uncomfortable in a social situation, is when we try too hard.
Relax, become good at your job (if you are not already). In the end even if you don't make friends there, you'll have increased your value as a worker and stressed less :)
 
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