Okay, so here's the story. I got a new job at Spencer's recently and I've been doing extremely well there in these past few weeks; well enough, in fact, to be promoted to Sales Manager.

Granted, this is only one step above a regular associate, but I work in a very small store and there are only really two other managers. Beneath me I'd have about six or seven other people.

I'm eighteen years old. I'm the youngest there.

CC, I don't know how to handle authority. I have chronic SAD (social anxiety disorder) and, while I have been able to work on my socialization skills enough to handle this new group of people, I can't imagine having to ask/tell other people who I consider to be "better" (older/been there longer) to do things. Today was my first day on the job as a supervisor and I could not even bring myself to ask one girl to sweep the store after closing. I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm so afraid the other associates are going to think I'm in over my head/am abusing my authority/am trying too hard. Earlier today, my manager asked me to tell another associate to take over the registers while I worked on closing. I couldn't bring myself to do it and it made me look awful. I have to do something but idk fdsjg,

So, CC, I come to you for advice. I want this position so badly because I know I'm going to be fantastic at it. I just can't manage other people. I'm probably one of the least bossy people you will ever meet.

Any of you had manager positions before? Tell me how you acclimated.

Maybe it's because I'm just a bitch but I never had problems telling people to get off their asses and do their jobs. :B Just think of it that way. It's their job already, they know it's their job, they signed up for it. You're simply directing them (not bossing them around/other stuff you said) to do what they already know they're supposed to be doing.

If it helps you, try being polite, maybe make it sound like a request? "Can you go sweep that? Thanks." It might help you. Though this open opportunity for people to give you lip. If this happens you need to be able to handle it.

Don't confuse being authoritative with being mean or bitchy. Just be polite and friendly when asking people to do their jobs and keeping the store running.

Instead of 'Go sweep the floor', just say 'Hey Susan! Would you mind giving the floor a sweep for me? I'd really appreciate it!' They know you are the boss, so they'll hopefully comply, but you'll still be with them on their level if you get what I'm saying?

Given your situation, obviously this is a valid concern. As a seventeen year old who has never worked a day in her life, I can't offer much to the point of managing others or enforcing authority or some such. However, I think this is one of those situations where you need to suck it up and do what needs to be done.

I have a similar issue with socializing. I was home schooled and graduation was one of the most intimidating experiences I've ever encountered, but I had no choice, and if you want to keep your job you don't have a choice either. Stop stressing about it and do it. Try to close off the insecurities, block them out for five minutes, give your orders, and then go cry and hyperventilate in the bathroom if you need to.

Obviously you have potential, obviously you're intelligent and capable enough to handle the job, or so you've convinced whoever promoted you. Do your job as best you can, is all I can say. Trudge through and if it doesn't get easier, if someone notices, or it leaves you a whimpering mess in the corner unable to pick yourself back up, then reevaluate your situation and let your manager know that you're not quite ready for it.

If you know you're going to be fantastic at it, stop worrying and be bloody fantastic already! You are a strong and talented person who has achieved more than most 18 year olds I know. Stop stressing about what could go wrong or how you might make other people feel or what other people may think of you. Until it happens, which is highly unlikely, it doesn't matter. If it does happen, come back, give me names, I'll shoot them. ♥

tl;dr: stop stressing and do your best, even if you have to vomit afterwards to get through the day.

That's just it, though. :/ I know they already know what they're doing and I feel inferior in comparison because I've only been there for a short time. I know what I'm doing (because this job is literally for idiots) but still... If you've ever been into a Spencer's, the atmosphere is supposed to be "fun," you know? You never see associates working during the day because it's actually our job to just be extremely cool and talk to customers, lol.

Yeah, I know what you mean. It's just hard to maintain that friendly level when I'm younger and less experienced than them, you know?

I fucking love you that is exactly what I needed to hear I feel so much better. I have such a terrible, terrible fear of what others think of me. ): I actually had to be withdrawn from my senior year of high school around prom and graduation because I simply could not psychologically handle the social atmosphere. But, I care a lot about this job and the people I've met there so far. It might put me through hell but whatever.

I'm glad I could help. I know the feeling. Graduation was hell. I had been home schooled since 7th grade and there were literally hundreds of kids graduating the same day as me. I had to rehearse and walk with all of them in cramped spaces. I was nearly in tears by the time I got to the stage. The hard fact of it is, every one gets nervous like that. Some of us have the severe misfortune of carrying it into our adulthood. It's unavoidable, but conquerable. We are all faced with situations that make us seriously uncomfortable and will continue to be faced with them forever, that's not our choice, but it is our choice whether or not we want to grow up and deal with it like an adult or let fear rule us and depreciate the value of our lives.

Lol whaaat? I think everyone at my Spencers need to be fired, then. Honestly, to me, the place is sort of like a mediocre porn store. x'D Haha. Its either full of kids who are /way/ too young to be there or creepy older men. The people are always behind the counter and never even bother with "hello" half the time when I've been there.

Don't get so worked up over age or skill. Obviously you are better than them because you were picked. Let that validate your actions. If anyone ever gives you problems, take it to your manager with the knowledge that they will side with you.

Heh, my last job had a manager that was your age. Honestly, he did grab some grief in the beginning, but it was nothing more than some bitter bickering between employees about how 'some kid' was their superior and making more money. Little things they wouldn't say to his face. Petty things.

I'd say go for it! Honestly, it'll help you climb a few hurdles, in both your disorder and in life; as well as open you up for better job opportunities in the future! Companies are more willing to hire those who have been in a manager position before. It looks good on ye ol resume, and helps you develop vital skills for the future!

As for the 'bossing around', don't stress and be yourself. Honestly, that's probably why they want to promote you, based on how you're performing/acting currently. Sure you'll be taking on extra tasks and possibly running a shift, but the employees should be used to it, no? Its their job, after all. ^^