I am an older carpentry apprentice and I like to think I have some idea on how to do some things. When I work alone with time I tend to work better but whenever people watch me I feel so much pressure and start to question myself. I think it’s probably something that has effected me my whole life. But I think maybe it’s because I’m still learning my new trade and don’t quite know what I’m doing that I feel the pressure and feel like I’m being judged all the time. I hate making mistakes but I learn best when I make them.
How do you deal with pressure when your being watched? Do I just need to get over myself and just go for it regardless of making mistakes Infront of watching eyes.
Have a great evening
9 comments
Just do it, make the mistakes, and take correction with humility.
This happens in many jobs. When I worked in a Supermarket, most jobs there you could be gawked at by the public whilst working. I dealt with the pressure by beginning an addiction to weed.
I deliver pallets to peoples houses and most of the customers see me pull up and just stand at the back of the truck when it can take 5 mins for me to take the straps off there pallet. I just ignore them 😂😂
As a fellow woodworker, it might be that your work colleagues are just keeping an eye on you, rather than judging what you are doing.
Standard performance anxiety with a degree of imposter syndrome innit?
Most people too busy worried about fucking up themselves to looking at you to see what you’re doing. And so what if you fuck up? You’re a apprentice carpenter, not a brain surgeon. Nobody died. You’re there to learn, anyway. Fuck ’em. They not got anything better to look at?
Nobody’s judging you. Everybody’s too busy being worried about being judged themselves.
There’s not really a way. You’ve just got to push yourself through the discomfort. Over time it will feel more and more normal.
Look at them and ask “can I help you?” Or “do you need something?”.
I don’t like being watched either. People can get fucked. I’m sorry, I’m not the one to ask. I’d probably do my carpentry in a room alone with a locked door.
> because I’m still learning my new trade and don’t quite know what I’m doing
and
> I hate making mistakes but I learn best when I make them
I find I learn best when someone experienced is there to give me hands-on coaching. In your scenario I’d most likely be grateful to have the support.