I recently started my first job and I’m a few months in. People treat me well, but somehow I feel lost and lonely. There’s alot to do and alot that I don’t know how to do. And I don’t really know who to ask because I’m not really close to anyone and don’t really know the people. And it’s harder because there are things that I really don’t think I can ask about in the first place because it’s unlikely they will know how to do it, or otherwise, I don’t know if it’s appropriate to ask them because they all have leadership roles. There’s one or two I feel more comfortable asking questions to, but I don’t want to always be asking them because they are busy too, and it’s not that fair to them too if I only keep asking them questions purely because I feel more comfortable asking them (Plus, it’s hard to say but they might already be getting annoyed). Also, I do feel like there’s so much want to ask, and it’s already after I have really tried to work things out on my own. I’m not sure if it’s my lack of experience, or whether I’m just good academically but not at all at work. I feel almost constantly anxious at work and outside of work because I feel lost, incompetent, and helpless, that I’m doing my best yet my best might not be enough. Is this normal? I do hope to stay on, because the environment and people are not bad, I just feel lonely still somehow, maybe because everyone else is already so experienced and good at what they are doing, and no one else is at my stage of life and I don’t feel comfortable “venting” or showing my unease to people at the workplace in case it gets tied to my performance. Well, there’s one person I’m slightly okay with doing so (I try to filter out some negativity when I’m trying to release my unease) but while it provides some respite, I get anxious afterwards wondering if I shouldn’t have showed any negative feelings at all. And these days, I start to feel so overwhelmed at work from trying to think on how to do my tasks that I either brain freeze or become extremely tired that my brain feels like it’s bursting. I feel more emotional too both during and outside of work, like I feel like crying whenever something does not go my way, or especially when I feel like someone is saying things or acting like I’m not good enough or I’m doing something that does not make them happy (i.e. even over non work related things). Is this level of high sensitivity and anxiety normal?
Thank you for reading till here if you did 
@cloudy That sounds really tough, and I just want to acknowledge how valid your feelings are. Starting your first job is a huge transition, and it’s completely normal to feel lost, overwhelmed, or even lonely at times. Many of my friends have expressed similar struggles when they started working—feeling like they didn’t know enough, worrying about asking too many questions, and feeling anxious about whether they were good enough. You are definitely not alone in this.
One thing that might help is getting to know the people around you—not just in terms of work, but also personally. Try to join colleagues for lunch when you can, or just have casual conversations with them. It makes a big difference when you start to build connections, and over time, you’ll naturally find people you feel more comfortable reaching out to.
Since you’re not sure who to ask for help, a useful approach might be to find out who’s been around the longest. Even if they don’t have all the answers, they usually know who to direct you to, which can be really helpful. And when you do ask for help, you might be surprised—many people are happy to share their knowledge, and as long as you’re putting in effort to learn, they likely won’t mind.
Also, please be kind to yourself. It’s natural to feel like you’re not doing enough or that your best isn’t good enough, but learning and growing take time. You’re still adjusting, and that doesn’t mean you’re not capable. You got this job for a reason, and over time, things will start to feel more manageable. Hang in there and jiayou—you’re doing better than you think!
Dear @cloudy
First of all, thank you for sharing this—it’s clear that you’re going through a lot, and I really appreciate your openness. What you’re feeling is totally understandable, and you’re not alone in experiencing it. Starting a new job can bring a whole range of emotions, especially when you’re in a place where there’s a steep learning curve, and when you feel like you’re navigating it alone.
What you’re describing—feeling lost, anxious, and overwhelmed—is actually very common, especially for people starting out in their careers. The pressure to prove yourself, combined with not feeling totally confident in your skills yet, can be exhausting. It sounds like you’re doing your best to find your footing, and it’s easy to feel like your best isn’t enough, but that’s something that many people experience as they transition into a new role, and it doesn’t mean you’re not doing well.
When you’re the new person in the office, it can feel like everyone else has everything figured out, while you’re still trying to get a handle on things. And you’re right—finding the right people to ask for help or advice can be tricky, especially if you’re worried about burdening them or feeling like you’re constantly asking “stupid” questions. But the truth is, everyone has been in your shoes at some point, and they do expect you to ask questions. If you’ve been doing your best to work things out on your own first, that shows you’re trying, and it’s okay to need help. It’s not a sign of incompetence—it’s just a part of the learning process. People in leadership positions might actually appreciate you coming to them with specific questions, rather than stumbling through on your own or staying stuck. And as for the people you feel comfortable with, they probably don’t mind helping, especially since they likely want to see you succeed too. I agree with @ZenCat that making casual conversations and lunching with colleagues may be an effective way to slowly grow your network of support. But I do understand how it can feel like a balancing act, trying to find the line between asking for help and not over-burdening anyone.
Regarding the emotional toll—feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even tearful at times—it’s not uncommon when you’re in a high-pressure environment or when you’re juggling lots of new information. Your sensitivity could just be a sign of how much you care about doing well, but it can also leave you more vulnerable to burnout or self-doubt. It might help to find ways to relieve that pressure outside of work, even if it’s something small like setting boundaries around how much you let yourself ruminate over work at the end of the day, or finding moments of relief through something that helps you recharge.
It’s really important to take care of yourself in this early stage, not just for the sake of your work but for your mental health too. I encourage you to consider seeking support outside of work, like from a friend or family member to help with managing those feelings.
Lastly, it’s normal to feel unsure at this stage—many people feel like they’re “not good enough” in the beginning, but remember that you’re learning and growing, and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. It’s okay not to have all the answers yet. Keep being kind to yourself as you navigate this journey. You can do this! 
Its like that. Very normal