Posted by jujube on November 17, 2004, at 17:21:53
In reply to Does anybody with SP have a job ???, posted by Tepiaca on November 16, 2004, at 19:58:38
I suffered from Social Phobia before there was even a name for it. I was told I was just a shy, nervous person. However, I have always worked since the age of 14 (I am 42 now). My first job was in a fast food restaurant, and it was hard, but I did it. Although starting a new job was always been terrifying, over the years, I have had many jobs, including aerobics instructor and bartender. I have been with my current employer for 15 years, have been promoted 4 times, and am now at the executive level.
It's not always easy. Speaking in a group meeting or at a board meeting, having to make a presentation, etc. used to turn me to jelly, and still does to some degree. Now I do it, although I would be lying if I said I did it with ease and comfort.
I am still not the greatest in social situations, particularly when I am with people I don't know or don't know very well. But I continue to try.
I am not going to kid you, living with social phobia can be hard. I have found that if I walk towards my fears, instead of running from them, it gets easier with time. Taking baby steps also helps, as does some sort of therapy. Perhaps you could, as a first step, look at doing some volunteer work, even one day a week. Reading to seniors or visiting kids in the hospital may be something that could help you get more comfortable. Seniors would love the company, as would kids who are hospitalized and would simply like someone to sit and watch t.v. with them or play a game.
I think it is important that to remember that even people who appear to be fearless experience fear. It is normal. However, too much can be parlyzying. Too little leads us to complacency. It is important to find a happy medium. Once you feel comfortable walking towards your fears one little step at a time, you will find it gets a bit easier with each passing day, month, year.
I wish you all the best, and hope you find a way to deal with your SP.
Take good care.
Tamara
>
> I don´t know If I´m gonna be able to work in this condition . This thing scared me to death.
> At the moment my parents still give me money to survive but , what will happen when they don´t be here ?
>
> I would like to know job experiences in people suffering from this condition please
>
> IF you have a job :
> Can you tell me what kind of job you have ?
> have you ever received a promotion ?
>
>
> Thanks in advance
> Tep
poster:jujube
thread:416855
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041113/msgs/417167.html