August 13, 2026 at 12:20 pm

A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

by Heide Lazaro

Young woman quietly weeping in front of her laptop in the office

Magnific/Reddit

Starting a new job can be both exciting and overwhelming.

In this story, a woman began her first day of work after graduating and immediately felt overwhelmed.

With little guidance and fear of making mistakes, she relied on one helpful coworker to get through the day.

By the time she got home, she felt exhausted and anxious thinking about doing it all over again the next day.

Whoa! First days can really be tough. Check out the full details below.

Just had my first ever day of work, I have already been in tears 10 times since I got home.

I just had my first day of work after graduating. It was so overwhelming.

They really threw me into the deep end.

If it was not for one nice coworker, I would have no idea what to do.

The day also dragged on. I could not wait to leave at 16:30.

This woman was scared on the first day of her work.

The boss apparently leaves every day super early.

After he left, it felt like everyone was just chatting.

I am so scared of making mistakes and of looking stupid.

I also really missed my dog. Lol.

She didn’t want to go back again the next morning.

I cannot believe I have to go back tomorrow.

It feels like I am constantly on the verge of a panic attack.

I hate that we have to slave away for 40 years for a crap salary.

It has been two hours since I got home. It felt like a few minutes.

I do not want to go to bed because that means I have to go to work again.

Indeed, first days can hit way harder than expected.

It sounds like OP wasn’t really ready and was still figuring everything out.

I believe it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, and as more time goes by, I’m sure she’ll feel a lot better.

Give yourself a little time, OP. You might find your rhythm sooner than you think.

Let’s see how others reacted to this story.

Someone with anxiety speaks up.

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 7.58.06 AM A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

This person shares a positive reassurance.

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 7.58.42 AM A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

Work sucks, says this one.

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 7.59.13 AM A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

Short and sweet.

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 7.59.38 AM A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about an employee who ends up quitting over a dispute over bereavement leave.

Finally, here’s some sound advice.

Screenshot 2026 08 13 at 8.00.16 AM A Recent Grad Walked Out on Her First Day After Overwhelming Anxiety and Missing Her Dog

The first day is always rough… especially if you’re missing your dog. Lol.

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Heide Lazaro is a veteran human-interest writer and digital culture expert with over a decade of experience in editorial strategy. Specializing in lifestyle, social dynamics, and the internet's most compelling stories, Heide has authored and published more than 10 books online. Beyond her daily reporting, she is a dedicated motivational speaker who helps audiences connect through the power of storytelling. When she isn't sifting through the web's wildest real-life drama, Heide is an avid runner, painter, and novel-enthusiast fueled by a truly excellent cup of coffee.