Letters to the Editor
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Please get medical attention
I have gone through so much of what LW is going through, although without a graduate degree. I, too, am the brilliant but scattered one in the family- the joke is that I can't keep a job, or finish my undergrad, or finish making a Christmas present for anyone (I'm an artist.) I, too, always got anxiety attacks at "jobby jobs," and I would just stop going, much to the dismay of my family.
Well, now I'm 31, a divorced mom, and I HAVE to pull my sh*t together and support myself and my kid. Jeez, it would be really nice to live on an exotic island and dream about dream jobs and free health care! But you know what? You're not supposed to "love" working. Really, that's why they PAY you to do it- because you wouldn't do it for free!
I found out, though, that I do suffer from severe ADD and anxiety disorder. I'm on meds now, and after a couple of years of cognitive therapy, I'm doing much better about sticking at a job. I'm finishing my degree, and I've found a job that I can stick with- because I'm using my skills in an environment that suits my personality style. I could NEVER do receptionist work again!
I say, go get checked out. It is NOT NOT NOT normal to have a pattern of panic attacks and quitting of jobs after only a few weeks. My psychiatrist always said, "If your anxiety is interfering with your ability to function on a daily basis, then you probably need medication." Good luck!