I got a job as a nurse luxury senior home. Everyone there is super smiley, social, welcoming, talkative. The type of environment where I must say hello, small talk, goodbye to everyone. The big problem is that I am an introvert, shy, quiet, socially awkward, anxious type. My coworkers can kinda see that already. Its embarrassing. I'm terrible at small talk and ridden with anxiety.
Despite this, I was hired. During orientation, my director told us that we must facilitate and environment where we must be social, friendly, acknowledge everyone, small talk with everyone like HOSPITALITY. Impeccable mannerisms, great small talk, which I just entirely suck at. The entire time, I felt out of place. Like wtf am i doing here? I so do not fit in.
I'm the type of person who can't even look at someone in the eyes for too long. A few people already have mistakened my lack of social skills for "being rude" already. I feel like quitting. But I also don't want to quit because its such a high paying job. I feel like the more that I am there, the more embarrassed I get about my social ineptness.
I want to just put the hoe down and quit. but my boss has a long time ago and she has waited A MONTH for me to begin training. I don't want to disappoint her by quitting so she would have to search for someone else ALL OVER AGAIN.
Should I just leave? Its just uncomfortable being there. Having been there for 2 days, my social skills have improved a bit. But I still have a long way to go.
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You can use it as an experience to come out of your comfort zone and talk more. If it’s that high paying and you don’t want to lose it, I say fake it. You may not be great at small talk but you can be pleasant, smile say hi and stuff like that.
other people will try to small talk with me and i won't know how to keep the conversation going. i would just be really awkward.
You’ll work it out. Most of the interactions I have with my co workers are just pleasantries. Then when they have something to say they continue the conversation with very little coming from me. The biggest thing is to show that you’re interested and engaged (listening) until you get the hang of it.
Jus be yourself. Kill them with kindness and smiles
Whats uncomfortable really? Explain