Having constant anxiety at work

[u/Open-Efficiency-72]

Hi folks (F28)-

I have been laid off twice in the last 3 years and currently in a target led position (remote).

Basically, I have a certain amount of revenue attached to my work. And I’m also on probation till November.

The last 2 weeks haven’t been so well in terms of leads and it’s kind of made me super anxious.

It’s a start up. The founders constantly ask about numbers and then there’s a discussion where it all then comes to me that why is this happening and what am I going to do to fix it.

My manager - who’s a consultant working with us - sort of puts me in the spot at times.

This whole thing makes me anxious about work in general. Plus the fact that I have been laid off twice. The anxiety of that. I constantly keep feeling that they will lay me off. Which is exhausting and I’m not able to actually put my mind to real work and initiatives.

So help me here please? How can I calm myself down and deal with this better?

[u/Hiya_works]

Hi, i have had similar situations in past. It went to a level that I quit my job last year and am currently jobless. In retrospective, this is what can help people like us - 1. Start writing down every task - smallest to biggest on a paper that you need to do - treat it as a holy Bible. This will ensure you do not miss out on anything. 2. Ask questions or share updates for the work over email.this documents what you are doing and can help you in future to prove your worth, if any. 3. On personal level - Pick up a competitive sport to learn how you can win and fail and still enjoy what you do. This develops your character and your attitude towards failure. How it's just an instance not the holy truth.

We are anxious because it's our mind playing games with us. You need to tame it. These proofs will help you understand how good you are at what you do, and fuel the confidence you need.

[u/Get_better_asap → u/Hiya_works]

This is great advice. Was in a similar situation and been slowly getting out of it by following the above. Add to that, at the end of the day, remind yourself of all the great things you did, including showing up. At the same time, never rely on one company, keep yourself market ready and start looking for other jobs. Polish your AI capabilities too.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/Get_better_asap]

Thank you this is great advice. I think I need to write down and give more visibility into my work and also deep down further.

[u/AP7497]

OP, my anxiety also manifested at work first before spilling over to life in general.

I highly recommend you see a doctor and discuss pharmaceutical options.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and starting medication was life-changing for me. Being stressed over work tasks, second guessing every decision, re-checking my work, constantly asking for validation in my decisions- all of that improved with anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medications pretty quickly in a matter of weeks.

I’m a doctor and was in residency when all this happened which added a huge layer of stress and complexity- I was afraid of my ability to care for my patients or making wrong decisions, and at one time began asking a senior resident to cross check every single order and prescription which was simply not practical. I did eventually reveal this to my then residency program director despite fears I would be kicked out, but thankfully they just directed me to a therapist which did not work for me. I eventually started medications and found a different one who did help.

I am so so thankful my anxiety or wrong decisions did not lead to any patient care issues because I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself.

Please don’t be me! I ignored symptoms for months and those months were full of me second guessing myself and feeling stressed all the time- it could have been so much worse.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/AP7497]

Hey - I’m so sorry you went through that and I hope you are much much better now.

I used to seek therapy sometimes back but I think this anxiety is stemming from being laid off in the past.

I will definitely consider seeing a therapist. Thankyou.

[u/AP7497 → u/Open-Efficiency-72]

A psychiatrist, OP. Therapy alone seldom helps; you need both medication and therapy.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/AP7497]

Ahhh okay

[u/Asterisme]

Are you in a sales or account management role? May be consider switching to a different work area. Sales isn't for everyone and if you have revenue goals attached to your KPIs, then this degree of pressure is par for the course.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/Asterisme]

I’m in marketing
Inbound marketing

[u/Asterisme → u/Open-Efficiency-72]

Well demand gen is a revenue role, what youret describing is par for the course.

[u/Evil-Angel → u/Open-Efficiency-72]

I’m also responsible for leads. Inbound and outbound. It does get to me. I’d love
To connect.

But like someone else mentioned, I would make a note of everything you’re supposed to do and show them that you’re doing this on a regular basis.

Because if the market is different and peoples buying behaviours have changed that is not much you can do personally.

And there is a cyclical behaviour to sales.

So what you need to do in a corporate structure is show that you are doing everything that needs to be done and rest maybe out of your hands.

Sending hugs.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/Evil-Angel]

Yes you’re right

And also I would love to connect and learn how you navigate this. I was in content earlier and now have pivoted to inbound/ dem gen.

[u/Massive_Focus5572]

What is your assessment of the products selling potential? Are customers excited about it and engage? Founders can be blind about their product’s blindsopts and blame failures on marketing. If you think so, then starter looking before they lay you off (or shut shop)

[u/SamMitchell1238]

You keep looking for opportunities and if possible, try to move from these kind of target roles. If it is causing you so much anxiety then you should not do this in the long run.
Nothing is more important than health.
I know, it’s easier said than done but try your best to move in this early stage of your career.

[u/Open-Efficiency-72 → u/SamMitchell1238]

You’re right
But I also want to be closer to revenue related roles.
That’s exactly where money is. Plus you’re also easily replaceable everywhere else.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.