Congrats! I’m pretty socially anxious but for some reason I’m kind of fine at work. Talking in a straightforward way about work stuff I know well gives me heaps of confidence. It just feels good being the one that knows the details and getting that spark of understanding lit around me. Maybe it’s the same for you :)
My colleagues are still surprised I just crumble and disappear at parties though I think.
Thanks! Honestly, I think it’s more of a group size thing.
I’m much better with smaller groups of a handful of people. Like even having to give a report in a regular staff meeting, to the other 13 or so people I’ve work with everyday for years, gets my pulse moving a bit faster. Idk. That said, knowing it’s a weakness of mine, I’ve tried to make an effort to get better at it over the years. As I’ve told some of my younger colleagues and friends, just because one works in IT doesn’t mean they don’t have to talk to people. It’s an important part of the job; any job, really.
As far as parties, that I’m OK with. Usually because there’s a little bit of that good ole’ “social lubricant” in the mix! I’ve (half-)seriously considered having a drink before a presentation to a bigger group before, lol. Probably a good thing I’ve never actually done it though!
