The person assigned to train me at work is nice, but I find myself feeling intimidated by her because of a previous experience.

In the past I used to work with someone displaying similar characteristics but she used to bully me and insist that I organised my work, and work space her way to the point that we'd have screaming arguments about it. She used to sneak up on me from behind and if I wasn't doing things the way she said to I would get humiliated in front of anyone.

I know that this lady is trying to help and probably does not not have the same intentions, but I'm worried that if I don't work the way she's advising me to, that I will get lectured. I can't figure out if this is a genuine or an irrational fear (PTSD is clouding my judgement).

I don't know how to stand up for myself without worrying that I'm going to create tension coz I'm in a new place and I'm really trying hard not to get into any fights. The thing is that I need to work my way so I can understand what I'm doing and I need to do things like scan my files after I've finished rather that wait till I've got a whole pile coz I need to get up and move around. In my old job I was constantly on the go and it disguised being hyperactive and being hyper was an advantage. Now I'm finding it to be a disadvantage.

I don't know how to deal with this and it's stressing me out.

Ok tudorose, this can be broken down into simple steps, I think I can advise you here.

Just my 2 cents worth of course, you obviously don't have to take the advice if you don't like it!

But you say you have figured out the way you have to work, and that is the only way you will be happy working and productive for the company right?

Therefore it doesn't make any sense to work any other way or to stress about working any other way.

Now right now it sounds like what you're worried about is your new lady may or may not like it if you dig in and insist on working your way.

Unfortunately, doing it her way is not an option.

I think what needs to be done here is one of two things. Either you can continue as you are now, and be prepared to explain your situation and WHY you are the way you are to her when she does come to you and try to change you, or,

You can take a deep breath, take the bull by the horns and go to HER and explain that you have to work this way in order to stay organized, focused, and productive.

You can mention ADD, or you can leave it out and just say your previous work experience tells you that this is the most efficient way to work.

There is a chance she will not understand, unfortunately, there is no way you can eliminate that risk. But it seems to me this is the only simple way you will conquer this feeling.

Good luck and all my sympathy.

It sounds to me like you have a great grip on what is going on.

Might I suggest that you break the above into individual items that could be action items?

I think you might find you have as good a "solution" for each one as anyone else.

Biting off more than we can chew is a good analogy. Its not that we couldn't chew it if it were in smaller bites.

Is there any law in Australia that is equivalent to the Americans with Disabilities Act? Here's a link with some information about it: http://user.cybrzn.com/~kenyonck/add/ADA_act.html

Hang in there, hon'!

smooch

Today I just did things my way and hopefully, ignoring her advice was enough to make my point.

My sugestion on this echos Waywardclams

With the one extra suggestion would be to document the whole thing and have it addressed to the persons supervisor, and (In Canada) the Workplace Standards Commision, ect;

Do not slap her in the face with it but the next time she tries to have you do it her way and will not allow you to explain to her why you want to do it your way, present to her the document giving her time to read and evaluate the fact ,that you have put a lot of thought into this and that you are prepared to go to the next level if the situation warents it.

Don't do it as a threat but in a very affirmative manner.

This will give her a chance to back off and save face or to continue on the current path and then by her actions will be the reason that the issue will be brought forth to the next higher up supervisor.

Basicly put it in her BALL PARK if she wishes to continue .

My 2 Cents worth for what its worth

Know your Rights , Know your Options , and dont be afraid to exercise them, but do it in a way that allows all parties the ability to preserve their dignity.

Thanks for all your advice. When the opportunity arose today, I made the point of telling her that I was finding it a lot better now that I had my own methods. She accepted that quite well. Then later when she was showing me something new, she told me to print out the screens as I went but I said no, i'll just write it down. She just looked at me so I smiled back and nothing more was said. Anyway I feel a lot better about it all now.

Way to go!

Just goes to prove you can have a backbone without getting all confrontational and warlike about it...

:D :D :D

Awesome to hear!! WOO-HOO for YOU!!! :D :D

way to go girl