Feeling discouraged at work :/

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  • #191344
    flbeachguy
    Member

    Hi guys, long time reader here first time poster. I have been feeling discouraged lately at work and have been noticing a pattern. It seems like I start off a new job working hard and doing well, getting praised, and then after some time about a year I seem to slack a little and fall behind in work/mess up. I think the problem is I am very introverted and have trouble speaking up to people. My boss is very aggressive and demanding and sometimes I feel almost reluctant to ask for help. Is there any advice for someone introverted/shy dealing with a boss/manager that is the complete opposite. Thanks guys!

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  • #638161
    s2sylvir
    Member

    You sound like you do really well work-wise. It seems like you are missing that “deeper connection” with your coworkers (correct me if I'm wrong, AND if I'm wrong, you probably don't need to read the rest of my response hah). I had that feeling when I first started. I felt like my coworkers were just people I was forced to interact with for x amount of hours a day. But then I realized how easy they were to talk to, and it was just my own apprehensions creating a “wall” between getting to know them better and actually enjoying the presence of my coworkers and feeling like they're people I trust with more than just “tax returns”.

    Maybe find some common ground with your boss? I find that I feel less intimidated to talk to a person after I've had some non-work related conversation with them. Realize that at work, they may come off as one way, but they're probably some fun-loving dude outside of work. Also, during lunch, do you have coworkers who sit in the kitchen eating together? Just sit down and join them. If you have nothing to say, don't say anything. Listening is amazing. If you overhear someone about to have surgery, remember that then when they come back from it, ask them how they're doing. It leaves a positive impression and breaks grounds for a positive relationship.

    I had a manager that actually intimidated me, thought. She scared me and I would actually stutter in front of her LOL. She was tough, but that's who she is. What helped me get comfortable with her is understanding that that's just who she is. She's direct, she's harsh, she tells you, “dude, you f*cked up here,” and makes me want to cry. But at the end of the day, she contributed her share, she gave me review comments, she wished me happy birthday… But she's not mean because she's out to get me. She's just a mean person LOL. Then we bonded over our mutual love for cute kitties… You just never know…..

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    #638162
    10keyLeah
    Member

    You are definitely not alone. s2sylvir gave some good advice. It's not easy, but it takes some effort to create more tolerable/comfortable situation. Resist that urge to hide out. I was totally intimidated by my boss and coworker at first. I've made myself have non-work conversations with them and we've went out to lunch a few times. I now know that it's just my bosses personality and it has nothing to do with me. Who knows, maybe they think you don't like them!

    Ask questions if you have them. I still do not like having to ask my boss questions, but is has become somewhat easier with practice. She is usually appreciative afterwards that I asked. That discomfort of having to ask only lasts for a few moments, and it gets a little easier with time and practice.

    Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

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