Sometimes, work can be isolating especially for a newbie
Being back at work can take some adjusting to.
Since May 2019, I have not worked a full time position. My last full time position was as a support worker. Although, it wasnt a standard 9-5, it was on a rota basis. It was a lot of work.
Since then I was employed as a nursery assistant worker with an agency; I worked maybe 3 shifts. In addition, I was a sales assistant at footlocker, a cleaner and a leisure assistant.
All random jobs that did not relate to what I studied: business and psychology.
All jobs were part time.
Then you throw a pandemic in the mix which was isolating in itself.
Being back at home, not around peole definitely had an impact on my mental wellbeing.
Aside from that my social skills were in the bin!
Communicating through the phone was at all time high.
As the young (me included) live on the phone (sometimes); face to face communication, the old school way may be nerve wreaking for some people.
Back to work
Having been out of work for so long made me nervous about being around people. I am not a social butterfly; I’m an introvert, and I struggle with anxiety in particular situations which create even more stress being back at work.
The job itself had stressful moments to say the least. But as I began to get accomusted to the schedule and what to expect, the anxiety eased somewhat.
As I began accustomed to work-life, a curveball was thrown in the mix was fired on my day off. Although this was a negative moment, it was a blessing in disguise: do you want to find out how not to let negativity distract you from your goals. Click here!
As my guard was slowly coming down, it shot straight back up after this minor ‘setback’. Thankfully, I was placed in a new school to work in, which was great, but my anxiety also increased, and I began to isolate myself as a result.
Ways I began to isolate myself
As I was thrown in a new evnironment with little time to prepare myself and during a random time during the accademic year, I left like a fish out of water. Fresh meat. The school was much bigger than the school I previously worked at. Staff was much younger and more plentiful.
New environment, new expenses and new things to cope with.
I sat away from others
When I had my breaks, during lunchtime, I opted to sit away from my colleagues. I usually found myself in the croner on the phone trying to catch my breath. Being around a lot of peopole all the time takes energy out of me. I need to recharge and to do so I like to be in my own company. Just chilling.
Isolating?! Yes.
I don’t like to talk a whole lot
As per my last point, I need time to recharge. I need to save and preserve the little energy that I do have. Working with kids takes a lot og you! They are a ball of energy so you need to be prepared for all of it. You need to be on and alert throughout the school day.
Introductions are super awkward to me
When I started working, i did not introuce myself to everyone I encounted. The introvert in me would rather not. But I did try to some degree. After a while I just would avoid doing it if I could.
Because of this, people may have thought I was standoff ish as I would walk into a room where everyone knows each other, not say a work and try to crack a smile because if I dont I seem mad. Then I proceed to find a corner all to myself. Perhaps it is not the best move to make when entering a new workplace.
Not having an outlet at work is not ideal especially for your wellbeing. The angel I tend to go with is that a) I am a temp b) I already have a permanent job so I am only here until my references are all clearled c) Yall want to be teachers, not me! Im here for now!
If you find that you are isolating yourself try and do the following:
Introduce yourself
When you walk in a room and there are a bunch of people there, you can start by saying hi. I know it is easier said than done especially if you feel uncomfortable. Sometimes I just say, “Hi”. And it doesn’t hurt to add a smile. That way people you appear approachable.
It helps to sit somewhere where you are not tucked away in a corner. If there is an empty space on a table, sit there and perhaps you can talk to someone who is sitting by you. If you do not feel comfortable talking to a whole group of people, this is a good way to start.
I have had a few encounters in the bathroom. Most of my fellow colleagues introduced themselves to me which was nice.
Interact with colleagues
I know it is impolite to but into conversations but I found myself doing it in a few instances especially if someone is talking about something that resonates with you.
Although I may not know the person sometimes I find myself giving them my perspective and/or advice. It is a great starting ground to get to know people.
Ask questions
Not only does asking questions show that you are interested and focused on the task at hand but it helps to break the ice as well.
A few of the questions I asked at work were the following:
“What is the lesson plan?”
“What would you like me to do?”
“How long have you worked here?”
“Do you enjoy what you do?”
Take away
Entering a new workplace can be daughtning.
Try to remind youself why you wanted to work at the job.
Isolating yourself can have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing.
Remember why you were hired! You were hired because the employer saw something in you.
It is great to have someone to talk to during your lunch breaks, before and after work and you never know, you can make life long friends!
You can do it.
Thank you for reading.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.
XO
