Being an introvert in today’s world can be challenging on its own, but to be an introverted admin can be even trickier for many reasons.
As a non-shy introvert, many people think I’m actually an extrovert. What they don’t know is that just coming in to work is a lot of work on its own. The mental fortuity to pick out clothes to wear (and not be judged), do my hair (and not be judged), prepare myself for a day of talking/meetings/random encounters, and random endless battles with the bureaucracy takes a LOT OF EFFORT.
By lunch, I’m tired. By the end of the day, I just want to NOT INTERACT for the rest of the day…more like week. It’s not that I hate my job, I actually like my job a lot. It’s just draining to exist in the extroverted world.
Yes, I know how to live in it, but it’s not my preference.
If you are an introvert in the administrative support field, check out how I successfully dominate in the administrative support profession as an introvert.
But this post all about making sure we are looking out for ourselves throughout this journey. Here are my top mistakes to avoid as an introverted admin.
Don’t Forget to Reward Yourself
I’m going to be completely honest here. It’s difficult to try to meet extroverts in their territory day in and day out. As you go through this process or adapting, it is important to reward yourself! Try not to overlook the things you’ve done to practice your skills.
Don’t discount your hard work because you think it should be easy. I recommend, if you don’t do this already, keep a journal to help you remember your progress.
Whatever that the reward is chocolate, baked good, craft supplies, pens, wine, etc, you deserve it! Be proud of these seemingly silent victories. Every bit helps, and you’ll soon see how far you’ve come!
Take Time to Recharge
Making progress and maintaining that progress can be emotionally and mentally draining.
I’m an introvert. But, if you ask most people I work with, I’m an extrovert. Being in the office adds pressure because it’s not just work that complicates my day, but people, and by the end of the day (and week), I don’t want to talk to anyone.
I want to hermit.
My throat hurts, my head hurts, and I don’t want to hear another human sound.
So, I don’t.
Recharging is essential, so make it a priority that you do it.
Don’t Sacrifice Yourself
We are working on improving, but that doesn’t mean you have to turn into a different person. It’s perfectly normal to be an introvert. You can still set boundaries and say no to social outings.
Don’t feel you have to change who you are – who you are is beautiful.
Another tactic would be is telling people you are an introvert and need time to recharge. Give them the opportunity to respect you and your wishes as well.
If they don’t respect your wish, they could simply suck. If they do respect your wished, then you know you have a pretty decent work colleagues.
Don’t Rush – Be Patient
Yes, you’re going through changes, and it’s a lot of work, but try to remember that you’re not alone in this. There are people who might not realize you’re on this journey, and are simply noticing that something is different.
People might flounder because they aren’t used to you speaking up or behaving differently. They might say weird things, as you might too.
Be patient with yourself and them as you embark on this journey. Check in with people, check in on yourself. Take your time and give people the grace, patience, and time you hope they give you.
Consider Finding a Therapist
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again until I have all the world in therapy. CONSIDER finding a therapist.
No, it doesn’t mean you’re crazy or there’s “something wrong.” It is simply a safe space to bounce your thoughts and feelings off of where the focus is all about you – and it’s not in a selfish-it’s-all-about-me way.
It took me a few tries to find a therapist that “gets me,” but I have now and it’s AMAZEBALLS.
As an admin, we take on a lot of feelings, both passive aggressive and sometimes simply aggressive. We deal with stereotypes about our profession, intelligence, and gender every day. Then on top of that, there’s our actual job. I recommend everyone try therapy, especially admins. We take on a lot that we rarely have much control over, and sometimes too much control over.
Conclusion
You should be proud of yourself every day you make it through the extrovert’s world. It’s not easy.
Due to the pandemic, a lot of extroverts had to live in our world for a while, and shit.was.lost. Be proud of what you accomplish!
If you decide to try out my tips to dominate as an admin, do not forget to replenish your energy reserves. There are a lot of little things you can do to make a big difference, but it still takes effort.
Ultimately, you know what you need to feel rejuvenated – just make sure you take the time to do it.
YOU GOT THIS!
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
