Working in retail and later Hospitality Management, I helped me greatly. Upon meeting me, you'd think I was an extrovert. However, if you invite me to a function outside of work, 90% of the time I was back out of it or say no. I think the older I get, the more backwards I go. I just want to be comfortable at home in the evening. Work functions and school functions I try to do but not always - it's important to network. I can't. I do occasionally need to hang out with the guys though. I do better when it's only me. My wife has more social anxiety than I do and it can be extremely draining when with her because she leans on me greatly. I only have enough strength for myself. If I go alone it's better. I do start getting panic attacks leading to to a function. I have agreed to attend. As soon as I say I can't make it, all of it goes away.

At some in my last career, I managed a Front Desk and had to deal with strangers all day. I sweated like crazy, stuttered my words at times, but eventually I got better, especially at confrontation. I always remained level headed, objective and logical in a confrontation. It goes a long way. The anxiety of it all took its toll on my after 15 years. I hated my job immensely and started drinking more. All of the responsibility of managing a hotel and restaurant along with the industry social requirements of being a General Manager was too much for me, especially dealing with hotel owners who think real estate sense equals business sense. Now that I am out, my mental health has greatly improved.

While I know you can get better with time, I wouldn't expect you to get over it 100% or even 80%. You just have to be aware of it and not let it affect your life and those around you. You're gonna have to suck it up when it comes to the important things.