Is it normal that i get very anxious at the idea of finding a job at 18?

It's not normal to have been unable to find a job in 2 years of looking. It suggests either a problem in your application (perhaps your CV/resumé), that you're applying for the 'wrong' jobs or too specific a type of job, or that you live somewhere where there are literally no low-skilled jobs. Or that you tried for a month or two then stopped.

It's common after an extended period of unemployment to feel anxiety about work. It's also common after repeated rejections and failures to feel low motivation and stress.

I suggest seeing if there are any free careers advice services available to you who might be able to advise you about available jobs, any problems with your CV/resumé or any other issues related to finding work.

Getting my first job scared the hell out of me. It's totally normal to be nervous. It's a new environment, with new people, and the responsibility of performing well in the new situation can be very intimidating. I swear I was ready to collapse when, after several months, I got my first interview.

It's not that bad though and people like you and I make it a bigger deal at first than it really is lol. And once you're in and you get settled it actually feels really great to be working and doing something that will benefit you.

The key though is motivation. I know you said you don't really have any but trust me, you do. Everything you want in life comes at a price.

I was totally inactive after I graduated High School. I did nothing but goof around, party, and play video games. And it was great... but it eventually got old. I got depressed and lazy and felt worthless. So I had to find that motivation. And eventually I did. I found an entire list of reasons to get active again.

- I wanted to impress a lovely lady
- I wanted my own car
- I wanted something to do in my spare time
- I wanted to get things for friends and family and help out
- I wanted to be able to buy my own cloths and games and food when I wanted
- And I wanted a future. I wanted a way to escape and get out on my own.

Once I saw how much I had ahead of me I wasn't cranking out resume's and application because my parents told me to. I was doing it for me. I wanted more than anything to be working and doing something with my life. And finally I got that interview. I went in feeling scared shitless but walked out hired. It's not a glamorous job either. I work in the deli of a grocery store lol. But I love it there. Right now there is no other place I would rather be. I've met new friends, learned new skills, and made myself and the company some money. And it feels great.

It's completely normal to be nervous and unmotivated whenever we are faced with a new challenge. And while your parents may be being a little hard on you, they just want you to have a future. I would suggest just taking some time to look ahead a couple of years and see what you want in life. Look at where you will be and where you wanna be. Look at want you want for yourself and who you want to help.

Then find something you really enjoy. sports, gaming, eating, fashion, ect, and apply SEVERAL TIMES to places that you know you would enjoy being.

Sports > Dick's, bike shop, sports apparel in the mall,
Gaming > Gamestop, EB Games, Best Buy, Electronics at Walmart or Target

You get the idea. Get out there and show everyone what a boss you are!

Yeah, it took me 2-3 months to find my last job and current job and I beat myself up about being unemployed the whole time.

Fortunately, my Aunt and Uncle were very understanding regarding how difficult this economy makes job finding and they recognized that I was making the effort.

Might I ask, if you live in the USA and what state you live in? I don't know if they're hiring but it was easy for me to get a job in my security company and if I know where you are I might be able to recommend some companies, provided you'd allow me to email it to you.

What kinds of jobs are you looking for where you're writing cover letters and such? If you're 18, the best you could do is probably a server, fast food, or something in retail. And for those jobs, it shouldn't be too hard to find a place with a help wanted sign.

Maybe you aren't going for the right approach. Instead of just writing a cover letter and shipping it off with a resume, try to get someone to speak with you in person. Go in and ask to speak to the manager. They'll tell you to fill out an application, but start asking questions and engaging with them before you leave. That might be enough to get a second look.

Orchards, vinyards, cotton fields and farm land always are hireing. If you dont mind heat and sunlight and back breaking work that is. $8 bucks an hr. Garunteed employment.

Lol, ignore some of these idiots here. Anxiety is difficult to work with, and I'm in the same situation as you - so cheer up! All I can suggest is to try and find a job you think you truly would love to work at. It's much easier to act confident in something you enjoy & are good at.

Good luck! :)

I was so anxious and nervous with my first job. After college I was just lounging around the house which made my anxiety of being out in public worse. I hated having to go to the shops let alone a new job. Seriously sometimes I wouldn't eat dinner because I couldn't face going out. I avoided looking for a job for too long untill I " built my confidence up" I don't know how skyrim and red dead redemption were meant to do that though so my mum pretty much forced me to go to the jobcentre (she doesn't know about anxiety). I'm glad she did it. I'm not going to lie, it might be hard at first but the feeling when you first get to a cash machine after you've been paid for the first time. So good. Plus it's even better because you know that you deserve it. After a while work just becomes a routine and nothing more. Good luck

Tell your parents to read a financial newspaper... There are no jobs.

Welcome to the real world, you're not a little boy anymore and it's time to grow the fuck up. The responsibilities only get worse from here.

Its normal.. I get like dat too.. Good luck..

Dear anxious,

This is normal for a person to be stressed about finding a job, especially with the way the economy is today. However, finding a job means taking the extra step. This does not mean you have to lower your self esteem because of the word "job". Depending on your location, there are a lot of volunteer activities which can be amazing to add on to your resume. There are also cafes and some clubs around cities that you can join and hang out. The process of getting a job would be slower, but with patience comes better things. Begin going out and network with people. Also getting some extra money, go to different classes such as yoga or whatever your interests are. Believe it or not, some of the richest people in the world never went or graduated college. They began networking with different people in their community, and with an ideal profession and interests in mind, they were able to elaborate on it and advance higher than a person with a college degree. As far as the parents go, they care about you and want you to become successful which is why they want you to find a job, but finding a job can also interfere with college. If you honestly want to go to college, then I recommend filling out your FAFSA and begin applying for scholarships on fastweb. Some of them require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, others are either by video projects, essay writing, or by lottery. there are a lot of options available to you at your age, and the only thing you got to do is take initiative.

It took two years for me to get a job.

Your misery is felt by many of your age group throughout the world, I think. Look at Spain, 25% unemployment rate. Aren't you glad you don't live there right now? (Unless you do?)

Dont be a little bitch, be a man and get yourself a job.. gees

If you haven't already, I'd recommend talking to someone about improving your resume. It may already be good, but it can always be improved in some way. It's the first real impressions you make when applying, so it's worth the effort.

You may very well have a counselor at your school that can give you advice on how exactly improvements can be made. They also may be able to point you in the direction of jobs they know of.

Do you smell funny if i did i would too.