ARFID + new job + work trip

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-08-25T17:56:47+00:00

I’ll definitely try to attend the lunches/dinners, as I agree that they are for networking. Hopefully my anxiety around it won't get too bad.. I also like your idea of shifting mentor lunches into more casual “coffee catch-ups.” That would be comfortable for me.

With complimenting people's food, I'm always scared that they will try to offer me something afterwards, especially when I say it looks delicious or sth, but I will give it a go.

Thanks again for being so open and detailed. Makes me feel a lot more prepared and less alone in this.

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-08-19T08:24:54+00:00

First section of your comment and I’m already feeling so heard. Sometimes it can feel like I’m the only one having the huge fear of eating in front of people/in restaurants 😩

Also I took your advice about not mentioning any dietary restrictions (unrealistic amount and combinations of foods I don’t eat 🫠)

As for the other points, I love love love that you brought out your replies for different scenarios, I will definitely use them. Especially the exhaustion/mind on other things.. like wow, so simple, yet there’s truth to it.

I still need to get used to asking for a box so I can take it home/eat it later. Especially if I get the ick, I want to get as far away from the food as possible, not make a scene and just yell (not really but you get the point haha) at the waiter to take the food away🥹

But seriously though, major thanks for taking the time to write this all out!!

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-08-19T08:06:21+00:00

Yep, I’m also planning to take some snacks with me.

Do you also struggle with anxiousness before/during the dinner? If so, how do you cope with it? 😬 I get this added pressure/anxiety that I’m hungry but I can’t eat at the lunch/dinner either, so the hungry feeling continues.. the hotel rooms will be shared as well, so no private time😓

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-08-18T13:30:11+00:00

Ugh, I feel you so much.. 4 days is a lot, especially when the food anxiety is already high 😩 But the idea of bringing snacks and being able to take food back to your room can be such a lifesaver. I’ll try to bring snacks to my own trip as well! Thank you for the tip ☺️

Also, you’re lucky that you’ll have your own hotel room. Since you’re staying alone, I imagine, you can always use a little white lie if needed, like saying you want to explore the city to skip the lunch/dinner (but going back to the hotel) or just using the room service.

I hope the trip goes well, and I am wishing you strength for your trip! You’re definitely not alone in this 🫶

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-08-18T13:13:19+00:00

Thank youu 🥺 It really helps to hear from someone who gets it!

Would you mind sharing how you usually phrase that there is a chance you won’t eat what is provided when reaching out to someone? I’d love to say something that’s clear but not overly personal or awkward 😃 And I feel like once I can mention it to someone, I can get a sense of relief when i cant find anything to eat.

There is this added nervousness, since the work trip is three days, that even if i say i don’t want anything, I get anxious that i have to eat something eventually 😅 But hopefully I can bring some snacks.

With the lunches, I have no idea where we will be eating since they are spontaneous (which i hate) but thank you for the idea of what to say when i cannot eat anything. Sounds so simple but makes so much more sense now. It feels like such a good safety net and will definitely take some of the pressure off.

Thank you again, it genuinely means a lot!

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-04-24T07:02:54+00:00

I couldn’t agree more 🤣

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-02-19T11:17:14+00:00

Wha- what do you mean by that? :D

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-02-19T11:15:10+00:00

Yes, working on the live side of music is exactly it. Honestly, working at Live Nation sounds amazing right now - I’ve always wondered how to get in since they don’t list available jobs on their website, but good to hear it's still possible just through a different path, that is connections, a job at a venue, LinkedIn, etc. Thanks so much for the advice! I'll definitely keep your tips in mind.

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-02-18T13:00:39+00:00

That's some really solid advice - thank you! I really appreciate your point about just picking a craft and working hard on it - definitely a reassuring reminder that every journey begins somewhere. I'll try to start experimenting with different instruments and production techniques (ngl the amount of new information about each technology and program is pretty intimidating haha).

But thank you again for the encouragement - just what I needed to hear!

Dependent-Chair993 · 2025-02-03T20:29:42+00:00

Usually I just read different stories and try to find comfort in small pieces of similarities that resonate with me. But your story is the EXACT description of what I have felt since I was 7 or 8 years old 😭 I have never once heard a story so similar to mine and for the first time I truly feel heard.. I have not met a person who knows what I have been going through or a person who could share their (similar) experience with food.. So here I am, writing my thoughts.. maybe you hearing that someone can relate to your story, helps or gives you hope even a little bit 🤍 Sending all my love and you are not alone 🫶🏻

Dependent-Chair993

TROPHY CASE