My first day at my new job

[lizziegrace]

My boss is a nut and his assistant is hysterical. I have a corner office (literally!) with two walls that are all windows. The commute is bad but I can set different hours when I get a key to the office and get to work earlier when traffic isn't so bad.

I spent more than two years in a situation that involved workplace violence. I didn't realize how profoudly it affected me and my reactions to people. Every time my new boss walked into my office, my hands started to shake. And the conversation was anything but confrontational or violent but I still had a panic attack. It's a conditioned response and I've got to get some help.

I have an appointment with a counselor for next week to start working through this. I am in a good work environment right now and need to short-circuit the irrational responses.

Thanks to all of you for your support. :hug:

[L A Woman]

1. workplace violence?

yikes. sorry you had to experience that. i am now experiencing workplace mental abuse, so i understand. it's so important to be comfortable and happy at work. i'm really glad you've found a nice job!!!!! :-)

[lizziegrace]

4. It started as mental abuse

and escalated to violence. I watched this man tip a conference room table over on another staff member when he didn't like the answer to a question. We had to go through the whole process of interviews and reporting only to have the offender get a slap on the wrist. That's when my panic attacks began in earnest.

:(

I'm sorry you're in that situation. I hope you can get out soon.

[Sequoia]

28. You poor thing. That's awful.

Glad you got another better job. Corner office with windows...now you're talking! Good luck and don't let the past haunt you.

[ZombieNixon]

2. Corner office = sweet! Boss as nut = hope that's in a good way?

Assistant as hysterical = same as above.

In any case, good luck. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

5. Both are good

He's goofy and she's funny and they bicker like an old married couple. :)

[ZombieNixon]

7. Hehe...awesome!

:D

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. Good luck, lizziegrace!

:hug:

[Floogeldy]

6. Learn, love, and be dedicated.

Throw yourself in to the skills necessary to do your job well.

That is all.

Floog

[haf216]

8. I'm glad things seem to be going well.

[lizziegrace]

9. So far, so good

keep your fingers crossed. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

10. My dear lizziegrace........

I wondered how your first day went........

I'm glad your boss and his assistant are so cool and funny!

And I'm very glad you're getting some help, sweetie........

It will be so beneficial to you in all your working relationships, and in your life, too!

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

11. I always thought I could get past it all

I mean, I'm an adult and it was work, not a personal relationship. I was so wrong. Someone was kind enough to "talk me down" via email today when I was beginning to panic.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. .....

:hug:

[Melynn]

12. I had a boss that played head games with me

That was 25 years ago and I'm still angry about today. There are some wacko people out in the work place.

[SeattleGirl]

13. Corner office! Humane boss! lizziegrace scores!

Having said that, I do understand your reaction when the boss comes in. It is definitely a conditioned response, and I'm so glad you decided to see someone about it.

Congratulations again on your new job. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

16. Deep windowsills for plants and photos of Lelapin and me

yes, this will make her :blush:

:)

[SeattleGirl]

20. Sweet!

I love having a personalized office. You should take some pics and share with us, once you get settled in.

[asthmaticeog]

14. Congrats!

Sounds like a cool office.

I'm glad to hear you're in such an improved situation.

[lizziegrace]

18. You and me both!!

Check your phone bank thread for a reply.

:hi:

[Haole Girl]

17. Awww

You are brave to acknowledge and face your fears...instead of ignoring them. I'm sure you'll feel better about your new surroundings soon!

Hugs for you...:hug: :hug:

[lizziegrace]

19. Thanks

over three years of ignoring the issues nearly cost me everything. And I do mean *everything*. I couldn't go on like that and I couldn't continue to put Lelapin through the insanity. :(

:hug:

[billyskank]

21. lizzie

:hug:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

22. I'm glad things are working out for you Lizziegrace

I was very concerned for you and your current situation. It is great to know that you are in a line of employment that you are enjoying and which has potential and I’m glad things are beginning to look up for you. May they continue to do so

I never knew that you worked in an environment where you encountered workplace violence –that must have been awful for you:hug: :hug: I am very glad that you are out of that place of employment and are now surrounded by good people and a positive work environment

I hope counseling goes well –I know that it is usually helpful and I sincerely hope that it will help you overcome your very understandable fear and anxiety.

Once again my thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you Lizziegrace, as they always have been

[u4ic]

23. Continued success, lizziegrace!

Sounds like you found a great workplace! :thumbsup:

[Ohio Joe]

24. Sweet, a corner office

I have a cube against the windows on the third floor out here at tuttle and it is definitely nice to have windows :D

[lizziegrace]

25. I love it

outside my window is a maple that's turned golden yellow. :)

:)

[BarenakedLady]

26. Congrats again

on the new job. Sorry about the panic attacks and what you went through in your old job. Good luck next week with the counselor. I'm sure that will help.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

27. lizzie...that's wonderful!!!

I've been pulling for you and hoping things would work out. I am hopeful (and also positive) that once you start falling into the groove of this new job and building a foundation of trust with your new coworkers the feelings of panic will fade. This is the best news I've heard all day. May only the sun shine through those corner windows. :hug:

[lizziegrace]

29. ...

:hug:

[WCGreen]

30. Lizzie... I am soooo happy you got the job....

Remember, accountants do it with dilegence....

[lizziegrace]

31. And accuracy

and with full attention to detail. ;)

[reyd reid reed]

32. Oh, sweetie....

:hug::hug::hug:

It's going to be fine. I know it's easy for me to say and harder to believe deep down, but it will. Call me WHENEVER. I'll keep my phone with me -- I'll staple it to my forehead if I have to. Well...maybe not staples but I've got glue sticks.

:D

:loveya:

[lizziegrace]

33. Glue sticks?

As long as it's not a glue gun. :scared:

It *will* be fine. They're glad to have me here and respect my opinions. God knows I've got enough of those. ;)

[wildhorses]

34. one day down-- the rest of your life to go--heehee

daunting isn't it

just relax and remember to breathe
you'll be fine
and
I don't think therapy ever hurt anyone really:P


congratulations:hug:

[ThomCat]

35. I hope the panic fades.

I hope you adjust to the new environment and have a long happy career there. :hug:

[NewWaveChick1981]

36. I'm so happy you're in your new job!

:hug: I think a counselor can really help you work through the panic. You will definitely get used to having sane people to work with. :D