A quick note for myself as much as anyone else. A couple of potentially good things happened today. I’ll go into more detail if/when they materialise. I had a lot of anxiety, though, which probably isn’t surprising as change is scary, but I had anxiety in my shiur (religious class) as well. I had the difficulty focusing (I mean literally, problems focusing especially things on the periphery of my field of vision) that can be a symptom of anxiety (a fight or flight response to focus on a threat and tune out everything else) and a gnawing sense of unease at times. It’s frustrating, as I know a lot that would be relevant to bring to this class and on a couple of occasions I knew things that the teacher didn’t know or got wrong, but I was too shy to say anything (maybe it wasn’t a bad thing not to correct the teacher). I only answered one question. I think I would get more out of the class if I interacted, but I’m too shy. In previous similar shiurim (years ago) I have participated more, but I think that was a smaller class and also one where interaction was encouraged more or even enforced, if that’s not too strong a word. It probably would be better for myself and other people if could interact more, but I still struggle with this.
Tomorrow I have a day-long conference on building a second career. I haven’t even built my first one, but will go, but I’m reluctant to spend the lunch hour networking as advised. Aside from social anxiety, my brain will be burnt out if I don’t get a proper break. The conference is run by a Jewish employment charity and all the food is strictly kosher so for once I’ll be able to eat the complementary refreshments.
I hope your career day goes well! The refreshments sound yummy!
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Good luck with the career day tomorrow. And don’t feel bad if you need to get away for a break from the networking session!
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Thanks!
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I’d say try not to beat yourself up if the networking lunch is a no-go. I’m sure there would be other people who would want to go out and get some fresh air and move around after being in a conference all morning.
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Yes, lunch ended up being a bit awkward – more details later (hopefully).
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Hope the conference was useful . Did you get any useful information/advice?
Looking forward to hearing all about it .
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Yes, it was useful thanks. I hope to post later tonight.
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