I’m too embarrassed to ask my parents & family, but I need advice from people much smarter than myself.
I (25F) just started a new job! I love it so far. My manager and colleagues are incredibly kind, but they’re all based in an office on the other side of the country. I asked to be hybrid instead of remote because my last role was entirely remote and I live alone, so it was a little too much solitude.
My issue is I’m pretty shy and just a smidge neurodivergent. Introductions are really hard. I’ve gone into the office one time so far (last week) and only ended up speaking with the office manager who got me set up and someone in IT who had messaged me the day before to help with an issue.
The office had about 15 people when I was in. It seems like many of them are on the same team. It’s a reserve-your-desk policy and mine ended up being kind of in the middle of two teams. I knew all day that I should’ve just introduced myself, but I got so in my head that I didn’t.
I really wish this stuff came easier to me, but it doesn’t. So, I want to push myself out of my comfort zone tomorrow.
I was thinking of maybe just going, “Hey, I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself last week. I’m ABC,” to the guy around my age that I was sitting next to last week and hoping he then introduces me to his other colleagues that are around? A lot of the people in the office are SVP and Director level, which adds to the stress factor for me and I think was a big reason I didn’t say anything last week.
I would genuinely appreciate any advice or encouragement.
Comments
SVPs and Directors are just people at the end of the day. Typically more senior people should introduce themselves to you, but that doesn’t always happen.
Normally, your team or boss should facilitate the meeting. The pressure isn’t all on you.
Definitely meet people slowly and one by one. This will reduce your stress and allow you to build a relationship
> I was thinking of maybe just going, “Hey, I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself last week. I’m ABC,” to the guy around my age that I was sitting next to last week
That’s a great idea! You meeting your desk neighbors is a good way to slowly but surely get to know them. Make it a point to exchange a little bit, ask about their work or ideas, ask them for help (this helps a lot building relations at the beginning!)
You can also use trips to the coffee machine to meet people. You are allowed to time them to meet specific people, too 😉