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Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

GwynnSenior Contributor12 July 2022, 10:39 pm AEST

Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

So, I got an internship which will last for a couple of months, part-time, and I am very anxious about doing well in it, because it feels like a big responsibility that I have to live up to, and it could open more doors for me in the future if I do well at it. Conversely, if I do poorly at it, I'm left with an embarrassment on my CV where I've worked at this place, but can't provide a referee/reference from my time there.

In order to adjust to the work schedule, I have been setting an alarm for 6:30 am and practicing rolling out of bed and doing things at this hour of the morning. I have also been experiencing racing thoughts and finding it hard to wind down at night. I feel like I'm possibly worrying over nothing, but it's just reminding me of my psychosis a little, the feeling like can't sleep, so much to do, and I am finding it hard to just take a second to breathe.

Has anyone else been through this kind of thing? @MDT ? @Eden1919 ? @Appleblossom ? If not, can anyone please provide some common sense?

6 replies

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In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

AppleblossomSenior Contributor12 July 2022, 10:58 pm AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

I am excited for you @Gwynn

Congrats. Breathe it in.

Oooh I have no magic answers but I so see where you are coming with. Yep anxious about sleep to get up early in the mornings, but ... YOU GIRRRL are working on all the right things to get yourself in a good routine.

Do not worry about not getting references for the job you have not even started. Give yourself a big pat on the back for getting the opportunity!

Cheers And Good Luck.
Apple

In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

Zoe7Senior Contributor13 July 2022, 8:22 am AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

Hi @Gwynn It is a cliche but take it one day at a time. Enjoy the experience, be mindful in the work you are doing and find leave everything else behind you. Like you, I always found myself worrying about failing and/or not living up to expectations but that was my mind working as it did and not the reality. In reality we can only do what we can do and that has to be enough. When we adopt this mindset I find we then begin to both enjoy what we are doing and also exceed our own expectations. You have gotten this internship for a reason so those appointing you must see you are capable and right for the job ...just be you, let the work unfold in front of you and do what you need when you need to. You got this 😁

In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

MDTSenior Contributor13 July 2022, 9:22 am AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

@Gwynn congrats on the internship! I think what you described there is pretty common and normal. The racing thoughts and such - it may be an idea to try and track them and write them down. Externalising what is going on in the mind is usually a pretty good way of coping I find. Sounds like your mind is taking you to places of catastrophe (embarrassment on your cv if you don't do well). I did that recently in an interview. I put an experience on my CV but i haven't got a reference from them. Strikes me that in this day and age a reference is like insurance - you need it when you don't want it. I'd rather be assessed on my abilities in the role right?

Anyway I digress. Wise move setting your alarms like that. That will definitely help.

In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

hanamiSenior Contributor13 July 2022, 1:58 pm AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

That's amazing news about the internship @Gwynn ! Congratulations!

It sounds like you're doing all the right things to make this work. Yay for you.

It's totally understandable that you feel overwhelmed. It's a big change and something you obviously want to do well. It wouldn't be 'normal' if you weren't anxious about it. I believe that preparing for this opportunity well (which sounds like you are sure doing) is the best way to make sure it works out.

Again, well done on the great opportunity!

Hanami ❤️

In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

PaperdaisySenior Contributor13 July 2022, 3:21 pm AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

That's awesome @Gwynn congratulations! I can totally understand the anxiety and excitement. It means it's important to you and that's a good thing. You will be great, because you care! Wishing you all the best 💖

In response to: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

Eden1919Senior Contributor13 July 2022, 11:37 pm AEST

Re: Got an internship, now I can't sleep!

@Gwynn Congrats on getting the internship that is a great achievement but I can imagine that there may be a lot of pressure that comes with that. I wonder would having a more strict schedule where you plan time to rest/meditate or do some other calming activity be an option that would be helpful? Like maybe if you plan in some down time it might give you some space to catch your breath? Also be kind to yourself this is a big change in your life and it will take some time to get into the swing of things so you may feel off for a little while as your body adjusts.

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