Hey guys. There is a possibility I may already lost my first real job. I am a cashier and my till was over $5 twice already. Third strike and I'm out. It makes me nervous and I always double count the money but this still happens. I don't know how to handle work again when I go back, I may be too nervous.

There is also a very cute co worker who flirts and talks to me. He helps me out and is also very kind but due to past experiences, I am having a hard time figuring out if he truly likes me or has other vulgar motives instead. If I get fired, I might not see him again.

I don't know how to calm down. I have no reassurance that I may keep the job or even have a chance with him. Being patient only makes my anxiety worse. How can I calm down and try to make the best of this?

This scenario sound quite similar to my coworkers at my workplace, however I don't know who you are so this is just a very big coincidence.

Anyway, just take deep breaths and ask for help. That's all you really need to do. Just like here in this community, people are wiling to help when you ask for it. It'd probably make your life easier too and your manager would take it more kindly than you not asking and getting it wrong again.

Moving on, how much do you like this guy who flirts with you? Flirting could just be who he is, meaning, he might be doing it unintentionally (I doubt it). If you do think he likes you, you should take the initiative and ask him if he likes you or tell him you like him. I know rejection is a scary thing, but just think of all the relief you'll have from finally knowing the "what if's."

Also, have you talked to anyone outside of this dollars forum? I mean, us here on the website can only do so much because we're not actually there.

I've screwed up almost daily for the last year and a half at my job. I know how it feels to make mistakes, but you can't let it get you down. It's just a job, there's a lot out there for the taking. I remember how it felt during my first couple of jobs to hold yourself to a higher standard and take things very seriously (both are good things), but after a while you start realizing it's not so important that you need to beat yourself up over it. Value life over work. By the time I walk through my front door I force myself to leave all the baggage from work at the door and enjoy myself while I'm off the clock. It's a skill you have to work at, but it's so worth it.

As far as the guy goes, I have a strict rule of not getting involved with people I work with. I may be single for longer stretches of time, but I feel it's worth it given I live a very low-drama lifestyle as a result. If you like him, give it a shot. If you're apprehensive because he may have vulgar motives, you'll never really know if you don't act on it. If he turns out to be a dick, then so what? Just remember you're going to see him pretty much every day ever. That works for some people I suppose though.

As for calming down, all I can say is what I do: I take naps. My larger dose of anxiety comes before I go to work, so I wake up earlier than normal to make breakfast and read a bit, then take an hour-long nap before I have to shower get get going. It's a great way to re-set and see things with a different outlook. The initial wake-up is important to me so I can enjoy myself for a little while before work, so sleeping in entirely doesn't work. It's not THE solution, but there really isn't any one thing you can do. Otherwise I'd say you might need a realistic short-term goal to look forward to. Mine helps me trudge through all the nonsense of daily life in the workforce.

Lastly, try and do something to make your time worth-while. I have a few great recent memories I can reflect on if I'm ever having a bad day which makes it more tolerable.

Last year was horrible for me. I legitimately started losing my grip on reality due to stress/anxiety/depression. These are the things I do to help me stay balanced so I don't fall back into it. And I want to reiterate the most important thing I learned: it's just a job. We all need one, but no one needs stress/anxiety. If you get fired, then so be it. I guarantee there will be another opportunity out there for you. The less you worry over it, the more likely you are to fix your mistakes.

Thank you so much. You're right. I was stressing over it for too much and it is just a job. I will do my best from here on out!

Good for you (＾ｰ^)ノ
I wish you all the best!