I'm so messed up inside, should I leave this job?

[brigit87]

Just start off by saying good morning to people when you walk by them. These are basic social skills and you’re way overthinking things.

 

Yeah. Don't make a big deal about it. Just smile and say "hi." And then say something simple like "did you notice there was so much traffic today. I hate traffic." And that's it. Or if someone changes their hair say "oh your hair looks nice." And that's it.

 

You might not say much more to your co-workers and you don't need to.

[sadwithouthim]

I don't see anything weird about it at all. You're not paid to make friends. I work alone (3rd shift) by myself because I get anxiety like this. I sometimes see it as a problem in my life, but I don't want to take meds and I can accept it as who I am.

 

 

I don't dislike people, but I just can't be around them for too long (especially groups). I very much dislike gossip and complaining. I also think small talk is completely meaningless and totally annoying. I'd rather say nothing than talk about the weather and other obvious things.

 

 

If your co-workers aren't mean to you, it seems you're probably just overthinking. I do this a lot too, and it's part of the reason I don't like being in groups. My mind will take off with all kinds of unreasonable things. When it comes down to it, everyone is too busy with their own insecurities to be judging you about yours.

 

 

I often think I should start Yoga to help ease my anxiety, as I don't take any meds and prefer natural cures.

[UpwardForward]

You know I do this with meetings. I wait until they actually start and I go right in. It works. Yes, I don't fit with this cried. I fit like a puzzle piece at my last job but I guess it's because I was the center of "attention," being a receptionist and all. I got along with and spoke to everyone. There were 3 that I didn't really vibe with but I spoke to them. They were all older than me by 10 to 40 years and it was a mixture of men and women. Where I'm at the people are about 7 years younger than me and mostly women. I find I do get along better with men or older women.

 

Splains it. Possibly you get along better with more mature, self assured people, than the reverse.

 

Either way, you are probably an employer's dream: Someone who likes to focus on their work.

 

Don't be surprised if at some time, they may want to keep you.

 

Also, your day to day learning experience is invaluable.

 

Take the more quiet cubicle if you wish.

[ChatroomHero]

I'm not sure what you would gain from changing jobs to have the same situation with a different company in a job you might not like as much.

 

 

If there was someone there you trusted a bit or was a genuinely nice person, I would think you could mention to them you are socially awkward and suffer from social anxiety. They might work to include you more and respect what you are going through. I know if someone at work told me they were in that situation, I would try to include them in things and have their back if they declined.

 

 

Your actions may make them feel like you dislike them...like they think you are a great person that for some reason doesn't want anything to do with them. If someone knows, it's not a big deal and people can accept if you are shy or anxious or not sociable, it's not because you dislike them and they are fine with that. If other people where you work all get the feeling you dislike them for no apparent reason, it will make the environment more awkward.