Anxiety at work

I started a new job in January and I’m loving it. It’s a job I’m genuinely passionate about and adore.

I got a message from a manager this morning that basically asked me if I would be free for a catchup about my 3 month probation tomorrow before my shift.

For context, I once had a job where they scheduled a probation meeting and then let me go so these sort of meetings or any meetings with managers make me very anxious.

Ever since I got this message I have been stuck in an anxiety spiral. I have convinced myself I’m being let go and I’m reading way too much into the message. For example, I thought my probation was 6 months so I have took from the 3 month mention that they are failing me after only 3 months.

I have spoken to my partner and he has reminded me of how much positive feedback I have been getting at my job and that it’s most likely a standard catchup to ensure I’m settling in alright and to see if I have any questions or concerns. 

My partner also suggested that in my meeting I should request a reasonable accommodation about getting a summary of what meetings will be about beforehand as I do struggle with meetings being scheduled where I don’t know what the meeting entails. Because the contents are unknown, I tend to create scenarios in my head which causes issues.

I have a therapy session tomorrow so I’m going to ask my therapist for some advice, but I just wanted to have a rant and to see if anyone could relate.

Parents
  • I see from your update it all went fine so congratulations for that and I'm glad the worry was unnecessary. Though I understand how unpleasant and exhausting those moments are.

    I can definitely relate but don't have much advice for future scenarios I'm afraid. I too go into anxious spirals where my brain tries to fill the unknown gaps, usually in negative ways. It's not a spiral I've ever had much success breaking. My only thought would be to make note of situations such as this one where the worry was totally unnecessary and not at all realistic. Perhaps if you could build up this list, it may help in the future to reassure yourself that your anxiety is often wrong.

    Good luck with your ongoing progress in your job.

Reply
  • I see from your update it all went fine so congratulations for that and I'm glad the worry was unnecessary. Though I understand how unpleasant and exhausting those moments are.

    I can definitely relate but don't have much advice for future scenarios I'm afraid. I too go into anxious spirals where my brain tries to fill the unknown gaps, usually in negative ways. It's not a spiral I've ever had much success breaking. My only thought would be to make note of situations such as this one where the worry was totally unnecessary and not at all realistic. Perhaps if you could build up this list, it may help in the future to reassure yourself that your anxiety is often wrong.

    Good luck with your ongoing progress in your job.

Children
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