A new workplace, a new life... building a career with Social Anxiety

Oh wow, it's actually been a whole year since I last posted.

I wanted to continue to post, as there's nothing worse than reading a story and wondering what happened next, when the book ends!

It looks like I last posted about my interview, and job offer. This all went through, as you might expect... my old company were almost unanimously happy for me. Only one odd exec was irritated by the inconvenience of my leaving.

In reality, I feel a lot of my anxiety was tied up in that company. From the moment I resigned, things became a little easier. The senior character choosing to be a stick in the mud and blank me only went to amuse me, and this went to confirm the benefits of my choosing to move on.

I moved into the new job in October 2013, and have been in the role now for over a year. Yes, I was nervous, and you could say my anxiety was there at the start. In reality, I've found somewhere with a culture where people are high on the agenda. I just seem to fit in, and my anxiety just seems like a little shyness at work now.

The type of training and events that once scared me, don't exist here. I find the approach much more inclusive for the introvert amongst us, and am seen very much as an extrovert!

Personal Life
OK, so I'm a way off being able to settle. It's noticeable though that I have a level of confidence with females that I didn't have before.

I met a lovely girl actually. That said, it's amusing that she seemed relatively quiet herself, and we've been messaging each other ever since first meeting (in-person). We've never got to a date though... something my friends find very amusing. I can't help but think she has figured me out, if she's prepared to wait a year herself for me to get myself together enough to handle a date!

Reality Check Time
OK, so my anxiety hasn't gone away. I think it is clear though that my workplace played on my anxiety more, and I've found a new organisation which is much less career driven/sales-like in its culture (less "extroverted", as I often put it).

Home life is still a challenge, and that's my next big challenge. It's Sunday now, and I've not left my flat this weekend. Not for fear, just bad habits.

Last weekend I went to a new supermarket, and had no issues... I just struggle to motivate myself to change my way of thinking.

End on a high :)
I don't like the idea of ending a post negatively. I'm a positive person, and this last year has done wonders for me. I think it's important to keep up the challenge.. I've focused on my work life, and got it in a great place... I'm also better at "after work" social events (which I used to absolutely hate!), but now it's time to focus back at home. That may not be as simple... although I love the idea of being able to be "normal" from a relationship perspective... if that happens, I'll definitely try to remember to post!

All the best if you too are struggling with social anxiety. I'd strongly encourage you to challenge yourself if you are... that's the reason I post really, in a hope that someone reads this and gets the confidence to improve their life for the better.