Social anxiety, uni and feeling confused about the future
Hi. Basically I’m in my first year of uni studying pharmacy. I kind of just ended up doing this course spontaneously. ( my parents had rlly wanted me to do medicine, they never forced me but I felt pressure to do it I applied but then felt stressed that I would not be able to cope with the stress and it wouldn’t be for me and other personal reasons so withdrew my application, in clearing applied for pharmacy as it seemed like the second best choice) Basically my decisions were all confused and rushed especially with the deadlines.
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Reply 1
Hi.
I remember when I was on some of my nursing placements, I hated them so bad and couldn't wait to finish. I was also awkward and shy at times.
Some placements are terrible and you clash with your mentors personality or they can be rude towards students.
Working in the health sector is tough ngl. I've been a nurse for 7 years now, and want to get out and study a different course, but am dreading placements again, and having to work under orders from someone else.
I don't mean to put you off! When you are working you will have more autonomy and it will get better!
I would suggest to keep going with your course, and if after the next one or two placements you still feel the same, then you could consider other courses .
But it's great that you want to help people! Keep going! It's okay to change your mind and try out different things. Sorry your parents are tough on you and are pressuring you about university, in future it won't matter so much.
I remember when I was on some of my nursing placements, I hated them so bad and couldn't wait to finish. I was also awkward and shy at times.
Some placements are terrible and you clash with your mentors personality or they can be rude towards students.
Working in the health sector is tough ngl. I've been a nurse for 7 years now, and want to get out and study a different course, but am dreading placements again, and having to work under orders from someone else.
I don't mean to put you off! When you are working you will have more autonomy and it will get better!
I would suggest to keep going with your course, and if after the next one or two placements you still feel the same, then you could consider other courses .
But it's great that you want to help people! Keep going! It's okay to change your mind and try out different things. Sorry your parents are tough on you and are pressuring you about university, in future it won't matter so much.
Reply 2
10
Hello! Do you have any experience in a Pharmacy besides your placement? Because sometimes people really don’t enjoy placements, but it can also sometimes not be super reflective of how the job would actually be for you.
As for patient interaction, if that’s not for you, you could look into the different sides of Pharmacy. Pharmacy can be broad, I think you should look into industry/research roles.
I also have a good friend who is a Locum Pharmacist and she works strictly remote, with online consultations. She finds that a lot better than face-to-face interactions which she wasn’t too fond of. My sister is also currently doing her pre-reg and wants to work in a GP later as she says there’s minimal patient interaction, but I’m less sure about how that works!
As for patient interaction, if that’s not for you, you could look into the different sides of Pharmacy. Pharmacy can be broad, I think you should look into industry/research roles.
I also have a good friend who is a Locum Pharmacist and she works strictly remote, with online consultations. She finds that a lot better than face-to-face interactions which she wasn’t too fond of. My sister is also currently doing her pre-reg and wants to work in a GP later as she says there’s minimal patient interaction, but I’m less sure about how that works!
Reply 3
If you're enjoying the course and it's only the placement you don't like, you could perhaps try and work on building your confidence/improving your social anxiety and see if that would make any difference? Otherwise you could maybe look at switching to another science-based course and maybe get a lab-based job where there's less social interaction. Hope that helps!
Original post
by AnonymousHi. Basically I’m in my first year of uni studying pharmacy. I kind of just ended up doing this course spontaneously. ( my parents had rlly wanted me to do medicine, they never forced me but I felt pressure to do it I applied but then felt stressed that I would not be able to cope with the stress and it wouldn’t be for me and other personal reasons so withdrew my application, in clearing applied for pharmacy as it seemed like the second best choice) Basically my decisions were all confused and rushed especially with the deadlines.
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Hi
Thanks for sharing this. That makes perfect sense why you applied to study to become a pharmacist. That is great you have almost completed your first year, could you use the summer to take stock of what you have liked and disliked and why?
I say this because I did this after completing a year on a degree course and gave myself some time over the summer to see if I missed being away from my studies and if I was excited to return in the summer, and then weigh up the pros and cons of the course. At the end of my decision, I chose to change courses and went through clearing and started at the University of Salford in the September, which was a scary leap of faith, but it was the right decision for me at that time although if I had weighed up the pros and cons and decided fishing my original course was the best option that also would've been perfectly fine. I know it isn't very helpful, but ultimately, you have to do what is best for you.
If there are certain aspects you enjoyed will you have a chance to explore these more in the subsequent years of the degree or try something new and for the bits you disliked if that is something you will need to deal with again can you do something to help with this?
Have you spoken to any of your tutors or student support at your university about how you are feeling? They are usually experienced with supporting students' similar situations to yours, therefore a great port of call for a chat.
It is important that you are happy with your degree course, because you will be studying that subject for a minimum of three years, and if this leads onto a specific career,r then it is key that you enjoy this too, because when you work full-time you spend a lot of your waking hours at work.
Have you ever tried out the ‘Prospects: Jobs Quiz’? This is great at generating job roles you might be naturally suited to. It doesn’t take long and is interesting, it might give you some ideas:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, it will be the right decision for you.
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousHi.
I remember when I was on some of my nursing placements, I hated them so bad and couldn't wait to finish. I was also awkward and shy at times.
Some placements are terrible and you clash with your mentors personality or they can be rude towards students.
Working in the health sector is tough ngl. I've been a nurse for 7 years now, and want to get out and study a different course, but am dreading placements again, and having to work under orders from someone else.
I don't mean to put you off! When you are working you will have more autonomy and it will get better!
I would suggest to keep going with your course, and if after the next one or two placements you still feel the same, then you could consider other courses .
But it's great that you want to help people! Keep going! It's okay to change your mind and try out different things. Sorry your parents are tough on you and are pressuring you about university, in future it won't matter so much.
I remember when I was on some of my nursing placements, I hated them so bad and couldn't wait to finish. I was also awkward and shy at times.
Some placements are terrible and you clash with your mentors personality or they can be rude towards students.
Working in the health sector is tough ngl. I've been a nurse for 7 years now, and want to get out and study a different course, but am dreading placements again, and having to work under orders from someone else.
I don't mean to put you off! When you are working you will have more autonomy and it will get better!
I would suggest to keep going with your course, and if after the next one or two placements you still feel the same, then you could consider other courses .
But it's great that you want to help people! Keep going! It's okay to change your mind and try out different things. Sorry your parents are tough on you and are pressuring you about university, in future it won't matter so much.
Reply 6
Original post
by caichalHello! Do you have any experience in a Pharmacy besides your placement? Because sometimes people really don’t enjoy placements, but it can also sometimes not be super reflective of how the job would actually be for you.
As for patient interaction, if that’s not for you, you could look into the different sides of Pharmacy. Pharmacy can be broad, I think you should look into industry/research roles.
I also have a good friend who is a Locum Pharmacist and she works strictly remote, with online consultations. She finds that a lot better than face-to-face interactions which she wasn’t too fond of. My sister is also currently doing her pre-reg and wants to work in a GP later as she says there’s minimal patient interaction, but I’m less sure about how that works!
As for patient interaction, if that’s not for you, you could look into the different sides of Pharmacy. Pharmacy can be broad, I think you should look into industry/research roles.
I also have a good friend who is a Locum Pharmacist and she works strictly remote, with online consultations. She finds that a lot better than face-to-face interactions which she wasn’t too fond of. My sister is also currently doing her pre-reg and wants to work in a GP later as she says there’s minimal patient interaction, but I’m less sure about how that works!
That’s true, I’ve only done a handful of placements at one pharmacy only and at a hospital. I guess I was making assumptions about it all being as bad as my placements and stressing abt my decision to choose pharm. I’ll definitely look into other sides of pharmacy, especially over the next years of my course when we get more experience. Thank u for ur advice 🙂 I was overthinking and starting second guessing my choices
Reply 7
Original post
by University of Salford Student RepHi
Thanks for sharing this. That makes perfect sense why you applied to study to become a pharmacist. That is great you have almost completed your first year, could you use the summer to take stock of what you have liked and disliked and why?
I say this because I did this after completing a year on a degree course and gave myself some time over the summer to see if I missed being away from my studies and if I was excited to return in the summer, and then weigh up the pros and cons of the course. At the end of my decision, I chose to change courses and went through clearing and started at the University of Salford in the September, which was a scary leap of faith, but it was the right decision for me at that time although if I had weighed up the pros and cons and decided fishing my original course was the best option that also would've been perfectly fine. I know it isn't very helpful, but ultimately, you have to do what is best for you.
If there are certain aspects you enjoyed will you have a chance to explore these more in the subsequent years of the degree or try something new and for the bits you disliked if that is something you will need to deal with again can you do something to help with this?
Have you spoken to any of your tutors or student support at your university about how you are feeling? They are usually experienced with supporting students' similar situations to yours, therefore a great port of call for a chat.
It is important that you are happy with your degree course, because you will be studying that subject for a minimum of three years, and if this leads onto a specific career,r then it is key that you enjoy this too, because when you work full-time you spend a lot of your waking hours at work.
Have you ever tried out the ‘Prospects: Jobs Quiz’? This is great at generating job roles you might be naturally suited to. It doesn’t take long and is interesting, it might give you some ideas:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, it will be the right decision for you.
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
Thanks for sharing this. That makes perfect sense why you applied to study to become a pharmacist. That is great you have almost completed your first year, could you use the summer to take stock of what you have liked and disliked and why?
I say this because I did this after completing a year on a degree course and gave myself some time over the summer to see if I missed being away from my studies and if I was excited to return in the summer, and then weigh up the pros and cons of the course. At the end of my decision, I chose to change courses and went through clearing and started at the University of Salford in the September, which was a scary leap of faith, but it was the right decision for me at that time although if I had weighed up the pros and cons and decided fishing my original course was the best option that also would've been perfectly fine. I know it isn't very helpful, but ultimately, you have to do what is best for you.
If there are certain aspects you enjoyed will you have a chance to explore these more in the subsequent years of the degree or try something new and for the bits you disliked if that is something you will need to deal with again can you do something to help with this?
Have you spoken to any of your tutors or student support at your university about how you are feeling? They are usually experienced with supporting students' similar situations to yours, therefore a great port of call for a chat.
It is important that you are happy with your degree course, because you will be studying that subject for a minimum of three years, and if this leads onto a specific career,r then it is key that you enjoy this too, because when you work full-time you spend a lot of your waking hours at work.
Have you ever tried out the ‘Prospects: Jobs Quiz’? This is great at generating job roles you might be naturally suited to. It doesn’t take long and is interesting, it might give you some ideas:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
Best of luck with whatever you decide to do, it will be the right decision for you.
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
I’ll give the quiz a try
Reply 8
10
Original post
by AnonymousThat’s true, I’ve only done a handful of placements at one pharmacy only and at a hospital. I guess I was making assumptions about it all being as bad as my placements and stressing abt my decision to choose pharm. I’ll definitely look into other sides of pharmacy, especially over the next years of my course when we get more experience. Thank u for ur advice 🙂 I was overthinking and starting second guessing my choices
Hospital pharmacy has extremely high pressure and stress compared to other pharmacy placements! Do look more into it and good luck with whatever path you decide to take!
Reply 9
Original post
by AnonymousHi. Basically I’m in my first year of uni studying pharmacy. I kind of just ended up doing this course spontaneously. ( my parents had rlly wanted me to do medicine, they never forced me but I felt pressure to do it I applied but then felt stressed that I would not be able to cope with the stress and it wouldn’t be for me and other personal reasons so withdrew my application, in clearing applied for pharmacy as it seemed like the second best choice) Basically my decisions were all confused and rushed especially with the deadlines.
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Anyways it’s the nearly end of first year and I liked a lot of things about the course. But in my pharmacy placement the other day I just thought I hated working there so much I feel like I’m not even the right type of person to do be a pharmacist I really like to help people but I’m so withdrawn and socially anxious and quiet it doesn’t fit with the role and i felt like an imposter at the pharmacy ngl. I thought doing pharmacy is good cos I can be doing something rewarding, which aligns with my values, and which will help me become more confident in myself and overall but people always make comments on my quietness and I wish I wasn’t there.
I dont think it’s about just feeling like something is right..:like needing to feel pharmacy is the right career. I just want to do something I wont regret and feel content with. Does anyone have any advice on navigating this situation? I have no idea about what other careers I would do anyways. I love making art but wouldn’t do it as a career cos hobbies are separate to me, and I wanted to do a career that there is more need for in society and can support me financially rather than focusing on something I really love.
Maybe I just need to change the way I look at my situation instead of doing anything…does anyone relate or have any advice? Especially about just not knowing what to do in life
Hi there,
It is quite normal to feel confused about uni, life after uni and your course in general. It is hard to know what you want to do for the rest of your life and it can feel quite scary sometimes!
I would suggest talking to the careers team at your uni. They will be able to talk to you about options that you might have with your course and where you could go in terms of your career after university. They will speak to so many people about this and will have a good idea about what you could go into if not pharmacy and can just give you some general career advice!
It might be worth talking to your tutors about this too. I am sure that they will have had students who may not have enjoyed placements, or the course and they may know what they went on to do, or what they did about this. It is worth trying anyway as they may have some suggestions for you too!
You could talk to your friends about this too - they will know you and may also have some suggestions. There will be things you can go into which don't require you to have a customer facing role in pharmacy so maybe have a look into this and see if there is anything you like the sound of!
For now, if you like the course I would probably suggest staying and completing the course. It will be good to have the degree and you can go into lots of things from this. However, it is important to be happy so if changing your course would make you happy, you could think about this too.
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Hello there!
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future, especially during the early stages of university.
You are not alone!
Here are some tips that could help you out in the situation:
Try to reflect on your career path
Here are 2 tips for your social anxiety:
It could also be beneficial to seek support from campus or mental health professionals who can provide personalised guidance.
You are not alone!
Remember, many individuals face similar challenges during their academic and professional journeys.
Sharing your experiences with anyone who you trust could provide comfort and diverse perspectives.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
It's completely normal to feel uncertain about your future, especially during the early stages of university.
You are not alone!
Here are some tips that could help you out in the situation:
Try to reflect on your career path
•
Try to gain experience through internships and more knowledge about the area. Give yourself a chance, maybe you will like it in the long-term.
•
Practices like deep breathing, or meditation could help in the long-term
•
If you slowly exposing yourself to social situations, it could build confidence over time.
It could also be beneficial to seek support from campus or mental health professionals who can provide personalised guidance.
•
Your passion for art is a valuable asset. If you incorporate it into your life, it could enhance your well-being and potentially open unexpected opportunities.
•
It's okay to feel uncertain about your career direction. Many students experience similar doubts. Consider this period as an opportunity for self-discovery rather than a definitive path.
•
Try to engage in various experiences, and try to seek mentorship and help, and stay open to change. These could lead to a career that aligns with both your skills and passions.
You are not alone!
Remember, many individuals face similar challenges during their academic and professional journeys.
Sharing your experiences with anyone who you trust could provide comfort and diverse perspectives.
I hope this helps!
Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador
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