Is it normal to be upset after my first day at work?
I just started working at this cozy little restraunt/bar. I worked the late shift from 8pm to 12am as a bar back on a Saturday karaoke night, cleaning glasses, getting people water, cleaning tables, that kind of thing. I really did think that I was doing good job. Hell, I was bussing tables and cleaning dishes faster than a cheetah on meth. But my boss didn't seem quite so impressed with me...He made a remark that it looked like I had "zero energy" and that if I"look like I'm having a miserable time, then this job might not be right for me." This surprised me, because I was actually very happy to be there. I definitely didn't feel like I was having a "miserable time".
The truth is that I am quite shy. I was nervous, and I know that people could read this from my body language even when I was trying to hide it. Because of my nervousness, I didn't really mingle with anyone or strike up conversations. As bar back, I thought I was supposed to be focusing on my job mainly. But he seems to want me to fit in the atmosphere, to do my job and to help others have more fun. Honestly, that is going to be challenging for me...I really do want to get over my shyness though, that's one of the reasons I chose this job. I thought throwing myself onto the scene of a Saturday karaoke night full of drunk people dancing and singing horribly would pretty much force me out of it. Looks like I may not have the chance now to see if it will...
So, I partly started this post to ask if my situation is normal, but also to ask for any advice about how to turn this situation around and have more fun. I've been told that I should just keep smiling, but really, don't only weird people walk around smiling constantly? I do smile at people and politely ask them if I can take there glass, but I don't just smile when I'm walking around and cleaning. Seems awkward. See, this situation is about more than trying harder, it's about figuring out HOW to try harder, because I've always been quiet so all these unspoken social rules are kind of mysterious and elusive to me. Sorry for the wall of text, thanks to anyone who's stuck with it this far.