You guys did miss me! Thank you for all the comments and emails I received on my last post. Y’all are the best.
New Job, Who Dis?
In my last post, I mentioned I started a new job over the summer. My new position is very fast-paced and keeps me on my toes. It also requires me to put on my extrovert hat every day. Which is completely terrifying as an introvert that struggles with social anxiety.
When I accepted this new job I knew I’d be required to interact more at work. However, I had no idea how intense my first couple of weeks would be. My supervisor did an amazing job of making sure I transitioned into the organization with no issues. However, when we started the introductions phase, which lasted about three entire days, I had a melt-down every day after work. I am talking about an all-out cry with snot running. Yeah, it was that serious, which probably seems really dramatic. However, I hate small talk and struggle with talking about myself to strangers. So imagine me having to chit-chat with nearly a hundred people within three days. It was completely overwhelming and exhausting. I was in introvert hell!
Use Your Words
Instead of throwing in the towel on a great opportunity; I decided to let me supervisor know that I was struggling with interacting with so many people at once. Normally I would have just dealt with it. However, my supervisor is dope as hell and made me feel comfortable enough to let her know I was struggling. She completely understood and made sure the rest of the introductions were short and sweet. Crisis averted!
I know that many people don’t understand introverted behavior, specifically our need to be quiet and just observe. Which may clash with your job if you’re an influencer or a business professional required to interact with people on a daily basis. Thankfully, she was very understanding.
You’re Not an Introvert
I did struggle with “faking” extrovert behavior at first but now I’m walking around work smiling, chatting with folks and even starting conversations. I never thought I’d have the ability to meet a complete strange strike up a conversation, make introductions, learn about their lives all while being friendly and approachable. I’ve become so good at it that I recently shared with someone that I am introverted and they didn’t believe me, lol. Granted I’ve been at my new job since June and that’s plenty of time to have picked up several extrovert behaviors. Particularly, being more socially flexibility and actually being ok with small talk. So does that mean I am now an ambivert? I am not ready to claim that just yet, I still struggle in group settings but that’s not stopping me from hosting my first event in a couple weeks. Shea from Shea What’s Real approached me about hosting an event geared toward black women living in South Florida over the summer and I accepted.
It Ain’t for Everybody is a workshop that welcomes women of color to learn and have open dialogues about self-care, physical health, and life in South Florida. If you are in the area I’d love to see you at Shea’s event, tickets are still available. I promise I’ll be in fully extrovert mode!
6 Comments
I am a true introvert feeling happiest when alone or with a small group of trusted friends. One thing I know is that God presents you with challenges to assist you with your growth. I don’t usually respond, just lurk (read) but this post seemed tailor fit for me.
Thank you.
Okay, first….this outfit!!! I really need to step my work wear game back up and this is inspiring!
Second…omg you know we are introvert twins so I can almost imagine what that hell was like!! But…
Third…kudos to you for SPEAKING UP! We struggle with speaking up and letting people know that we are way too far out of our comfort zone. And that’s great that your boss was supportive!
HUGS!
Loved this post and man, do I understand about being an introvert living in an extrovert world! Wrote about it myself… https://www.msqueenro.com/im-an-introvert-living-in-an-extrovert-world/
Stylish and feminine! I like it very much 🙂
http://moda-na-obcasach.blogspot.com/
First off, I love your Blog, Keep Posting!!! , I’m a true extrovert, but from N.C, have a heavy southern draw, and stuttered as a child. To this day, I have a hared time pronouncing certain words. In school, and/or work I would practice, practice, and practice my speeches/presentations so I would not make any mistakes. Since I practiced so much, I appeared comfortable speaking in front of large crowds. However, that was not the case, until one day I read an article; that said” Do it Afraid. Girl, that what you have/are doing Facing Your Fears, and not letting them hold you Back. You Go Girl!!!! Congrats on the New Job. 🙂
Love the simplicity yet boldness of the outfit