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APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions, plus try our money-saving tips. Here she gives advice to a reader who is highly introverted and struggling with working as a receptionist. Q) I’ve recently gone back to work after a seven-year gap to raise my children , as a family friend offered me a receptionist position at her small company.

The trouble is, I’m highly introverted and find talking to strangers stressful, so being a receptionist is my worst nightmare! I don’t want to be ungrateful, and I really value having a job that works around school pick-up and drop-off, but I dread going to work each day and I feel really anxious even after I’ve left the office . What should I do? Maura, via email A) It sounds like you’re in a challenging situation, balancing gratitude for your job with the stress it causes . If you are feeling mentally strong enough to delve into your anxieties to make this job work, I suggest having an honest conversation with your friend.



Since you have a personal relationship, she will likely be understanding and want to help. Use coping strategies, such as mindfulness or deep breathing , before, during and after work. Spend a few minutes each day visualising positive interactions to build your confidence.

Gradually expose yourself to situations that would make you anxious , starting with brief, low-stress interactions – such as small talk with a supermarket checkout assistant – and slowly incr.

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