Job Phobia?

LegacyUser

In recession Ireland probably one of the more unusual personal issues I realise.

I recently graduated from university (a few months ago) at this stage and find myself in the "looking for work" bracket. I've a lot of anxiety associated with this that I feel is really affecting my drive to seek employment, perform well at interviews and my general perception. I upon getting a job as a curse I want to escape from, I have no problem applying for things but secretly hope I'll be rejected, I dread getting an acceptance e-mail or phone call.

Right now since college I moved back into my parents house which while I'm perfectly happy here and taking time out from life I understand the need to move on, not just to not be a social burden on my parents but for myself and my own development.

My problems with work stem around a few anxieties related to the change. For one my degree was a highly technical IT course, the problem was its coursework was mostly theory and contained a lot of choice to go down that route. In practice I'm seeing that isn't what employers want and I don't feel I have these practical skills (programming) to perform in the jobs I'm supposedly qualified for. I think my great fear is I'll be accepted to do a job I can't do and will be assumed to be more equipped than I am because of the degree I have.

In addition I'm anxious about moving away from home (particularly if I have to go to Dublin) and just the general feeling of being alone. I live in a small town so there isn't really any IT prospects here.
I've worked a couple of jobs previously, one full time for 9 months and two others part time and enjoyed them hugely and feel I did well in them. A bonus with those were none of them required me to work 9-5 for 5 days a week. I've always been mentally more focused to do a high amount of work in a short period of time, with a lot of rest time wise. The cookie cutter word frame of allowing work to fill allotted time throughout the day was never something that suited me, it leaves me tired, unfocused and unhappy.

Any suggestions to help me carry a less negative attitude towards employment, and to go do something productive?

MissFlitworth

Lightning342 wrote: »

Right now since college I moved back into my parents house which while I'm perfectly happy here and taking time out from life I understand the need to move on, not just to not be a social burden on my parents but for myself and my own development.

Do you have to move out? If the idea of moving out is giving you the heebies on top of the idea of job searches could you either get a car or plot where you could look for a job using local public transport that would involve a do-able commute every day? If your parents are happy to have you there & you're happiest at home for the time being then stay put till you feel up to it.

My problems with work stem around a few anxieties related to the change. For one my degree was a highly technical IT course, the problem was its coursework was mostly theory and contained a lot of choice to go down that route. In practice I'm seeing that isn't what employers want and I don't feel I have these practical skills (programming) to perform in the jobs I'm supposedly qualified for. I think my great fear is I'll be accepted to do a job I can't do and will be assumed to be more equipped than I am because of the degree I have.

Apply for graduate & entry level roles. Don't freak out too much about being landed with a job that's miles beyond you, it won't happen unless you're dishonest in a cv or manage to freakishly sail through an aptitude test. IT roles nearly always involve an aptitude test as part of the interview process and a very high chance of being interviewed by someone who's come through the very same college experience as you have and who knows pretty much exactly what level the average IT graduate is at. (Don't undersell yourself either though)

A bonus with those were none of them required me to work 9-5 for 5 days a week. I've always been mentally more focused to do a high amount of work in a short period of time, with a lot of rest time wise. The cookie cutter word frame of allowing work to fill allotted time throughout the day was never something that suited me, it leaves me tired, unfocused and unhappy.

This is, unfortunately, something you are going to have to try & work with. Lots of IT people do get to a point where they can work very flexible hours but unless you are super talented or skilled starting off you should expect to be working 9-5 with potentially longer days when you're working to deadline/as part of a project team

You'll be ok though! I'd definitely advise you to do either the job hunt or the house hunt for the moment, don't overload yourself. If you & your family are happier with you at home then stay there for the time being

Wompa1

OP I'd bet you aren't the only onw in your position. I can't really comment as I started my IT job a few days after my last college exam. I just changed jobs 2 months ago after 5 years in my first IT job. Just like with moving to a new place, starting a new job is stressful and always makes me anxious. The first few weeks are always tough, trying to feel out what you can can can't do.

If you don't get working, you'll regret it. IT is in an upswing right now. Once companies virtualize and get more stable there's a very real possibility that jobs will be cut. If you can, I would get working now and make some money

Danniboo

So you want to stay home and not work????? Have you ever had a job OP? In recession Ireland where solicitors are working in McDonalds, I doubt you'd be put in to a job your not qualified for. Can I ask what age you are? If this is a genuine anxiety thing, you should go speak to a professional about it they may be able to help. I guess if you've never worked before it could be daunting, but thousands of people do it everyday and they are okay. You should stop over thinking things OP. If your going into interviews hoping to be rejected, I doubt your selling yourself anyways.

saa

I found doing volunteer work helped me with job anxiety and a lack of self confidence and I got a reference out of it, its good to get a placement where you are not under extreme pressure but you must be reliable.

Are you worried about not getting a job that is good enough or about moving out more, there is more to this I really think if anxiety is stopping you live your life normally some counselling sessions can help more than just getting on with it because that negative thinking and fears that youre not doing the right thing might still be there if you get a job, its about being content.