Super anxiety... it's anxiety.. with a cape. :D

So, I got my first job at subway recently. I was so excited, and I had one day of training on Thursday, and I'll have two more on Monday and Tuesday.

Thursday went.. well.. it wasn't very good. I messed up a bunch, I wasn't very fast, and I can't figure out how to wrap the sandwiches up correctly. Not to mention, I fit in awkwardly with my coworkers who are all at least 2 years older then I am.

Now I have a lot of anxiety because of my poor performance, and I feel like my manager expects a lot from me. I didn't get any pamphlets or paper work to read, they just threw me in there, so I feel very unprepared. I can't stay calm right now and it feels like there's a tight knot in my chest, and I feel very embarrassed.

I don't know how I can improve very quickly without actually being at work, so there's nothing to ease my mind and prepare myself for work on Monday. I'm sitting here being restless, and it's driving me nuts. I've tried listening to calming music, going outside for a bike ride, exercising.. Hell, even when I sleep I'm dreaming of this problem.

Is there something wrong with me?

What can I do to ease the anxiety?

(And any tips on how to be a better subway employee? haha.

Also.. did I put this in the wrong forum? Sorry if I did!!)

First off - congrats on the job!  Second - relax and take a deep breath and go and do fun things you normally do on the weekends.  No one is perfect and you've only had one day of training doing something that you've never done before.  You will improve with practise and more training - the fact that you want to do a good job will go a long way in the workforce (speaking as a boss and a customer).

Here's some tips:

You could practise at home on the wrapping.  Find something roughly the same size as a sub (roll up some socks).  Get some newspaper, paper towel, etc., and practise your wrapping. 

Don't be afraid to ask questions - that shows you want to learn and as a boss I expect that from people who want to do a good job.  Ask your manager what their expectations are.  Ask questions about what you will be doing during your training.  Ask the other people in the store for tips - don't be intimidated by them they were in your shoes at some point too.

Do some research on Subway - go to their website and learn about the company and how they operate, what they offer, etc.

Do some research on how to provide good customer service - something that is so lacking in many places today.

Good luck in your first job!

Oh man...no worries!! There is NOTHING wrong with you. lynnmm has given you some very good tips in her reply. I would second her suggestions.

Congrats on your new job! When I was 16, I worked at Dairy Queen. Looking back, it was one of the most fun jobs I have ever had, but it was hard work! When I first started training, I could NOT get the signature little loop on the top of the cone. It took a lot of practice and about a week or so! From then on, it was smooth sailing.

You have only been working for a couple of days, so cut yourself some slack. All new things take practice...even wrapping sandwiches! Good employers understand the learning curve involved with new hires and they expect it to take you a few days or weeks to get the hang of it (a couple months might create some problems!) Anyhow, take your time and if you get nervous, take a deep breath. If you are moving too slow for a customer, just say "Thanks for your patience, I'm training". Anyone with a heart will understand, plus starting a conversation with the customer will take some of the pressure off you.

You will be a Subway rockstar in no time.

Thanks you two!

My brother, a former subway employee and a former manager-in-training at subway, gave me similar tips. Chillax, subway is really hard at first, but once you get the hang of it it's fun. He also was nice enough to write me a cheat sheet so I can practice memorizing the formulas by heart at home. He aalsooo said that my manager was rushing me too much because I was supposed to start off at veggies instead of meat and bread.

It's good to know I'm not the only one who totally sucked.. um.. juice boxes at their job at first! Haha.

I'm much more confident now. I can't wait to go back to work and learn more.