Not fitting in with co-workers?

[LotusAvx]

I am on my 8th day of my new job. I work at a clinic and I enjoy the work, but I don't feel comfortable and I feel so awkward around my co-workers. I have never been diagnosed with social anxiety, but I always have trouble making friends or talking to people, it's like my mind goes blank. And I have always been quiet at my jobs, I prefer to work with one other person or by myself usually.

 

This job has 3-4 people working so me and 3 others, which isn't so bad, but everyone I work with is so extroverted. It's like they are constantly joking and say whatever comes to their mind. There is a lot of down time between patients so it's an excuse to chat.

 

I know it is still very early in my employment, but I can't help but feel so awkward when we're talking about anything other than work. I try my best to jump into conversations, but most of the time they're talking about people they mutually know. They seem to all know each other very well. I am terrified of one of them calling me out as being quiet as this has happened to me many times before and I cannot stand it.

 

I am absolutely an introvert and have been my whole life. I have always gotten along well with everyone I have worked with, but like to keep things professional. I am not sure if I should stick with this job because I am not sure the strong social aspect of it is a good fit for me. But I also was lucky to get this entry level position and don't want to leave.

 

I need some advice on feeling like the odd one out at the workplace. I don't want to be known as the "quiet girl". I do want to have some fun at work, but it's not me to say whatever comes to my mind! I envy these people because it seems like their interactions come effortlessly. How can I be less awkward at work?

[Rayce]

IMO it is not unusual to be shy when you 1st join a group. I know I am. Give it some time. I am sure you will warm up in the next few weeks. Good luck!

[Mr. Lucky]

I am terrified of one of them calling me out as being quiet as this has happened to me many times before and I cannot stand it.

 

I am absolutely an introvert and have been my whole life.

 

Ok, trying to understand the obvious contradiction here. It seems pretty natural that you wouldn't be identified as the most overtly talkative person in the place as most introverts are quiet, shy and reserved. Most extroverts are outgoing, verbal and engaging. There's no right or wrong, they each have their own good qualities. So your fear of being labeled "quiet" seems counter-intuitive...

 

Just be you, with a focus on job performance and good customer service. Given the choice between a competent, "quiet" fellow worker and a non-stop BS artist, I'll take the former every time. Good luck with the new job...

 

Mr. Lucky

[Foxhall]

try not to be as sensitive to the remarks- people who are quiet- they invariably are going to be told that by their comrades- but a lot of these "extroverted" people cannot see beyond the palm of their hands so they are going to make these types of comments,

 

in one way having extroverted people around you should help you, they will try to initiate conversations with you and help you along,

 

it may just take you a while to settle and get used to your new surroundings.

 

keep in tune with current affairs and what is in the news ,

 

you can use this to make conversation. otherwise focus on your work,

 

in terns of finding more meaningful engagement you will have to find your tribe outside of work.

[Veronica73]

There is nothing wrong with being quiet. And even if you aren't an introvert, it's pretty normal to be a bit reserved when starting a new job or joining a new group. The most important thing is that you do your job well and get along fine with others (by that I mean be considerate, polite, kind, etc (not pretend to be an extrovert)). It's only been 8 days. Give it some time. I worked someplace that was a lot that you described. I stayed true to myself and eventually a lot of people really came to appreciate how reliable and trustworthy and non-gossipy and non-attention-seeking I was. (Not that all extraverts are like that). I'd stick it out awhile longer. And there isn't anything wrong with being quiet. It has it's positives.

[Lotsgoingon]

Well ... talking and being social can be a really good thing for a workplace. I'm not saying that's the case here. But sometimes social banter really lets people relax a bit.

 

I'm a talker, and a listener. I can talk up a storm. But some places just have a vibe where I just don't like the people ... happens rarely but has happened.

 

One thing you should keep in mind: you are not expected to talk ... when others are talking about stories only they know. Just listen. Seriously, you're new ... You have nothing to say about their inside stories. So don't put too much pressure on yourself.