I fear dealing with money on a job

[gustavofring]

There's prospects of a job for me, but there's one thing that's really making me nervous. It's dealing with money.

I'm somewhat of a discalculist. I don't know if it's because I simply am bad at math and counting, or if it's the nerves and anxiety I have developed around it. Either way, I feel like I need some practice with it or I'll go into panic mode on my first day. Dealing with large sums of money especially seems like a lot of responsibility and at a hotel it's likely there'll be a lot of money floating around. Especially the thought of having to calculate stuff in front of people scares me because I will feel pressure.

I really need to get over it. Does anyone have any relevant tips/info/thoughts?

 

[Ignace]

Use a calculator. Lots of ppl at shops do for even the smallest amounts. Btw, using a calculator wouldn't be embarrassing, customers would be more confident that you didn't make an error.

 

[coyote]

most larger businesses use some sort of computerized Point Of Sale (POS) system that will usually calculate the amount due as well as the amount of change to be given for a cash transaction

that coupled with the fact that people hardly even use cash these days for anything over $20.00, and it is hard to find anyone under 40 that knows how to count change back anymore

don't worry too much about it

 

[gustavofring]

Use a calculator. Lots of ppl at shops do for even the smallest amounts. Btw, using a calculator wouldn't be embarrassing, customers would be more confident that you didn't make an error.

True that.

most larger businesses use some sort of computerized Point Of Sale (POS) system that will usually calculate the amount due as well as the amount of change to be given for a cash transaction

I suppose so.

that coupled with the fact that people hardly even use cash these days for anything over $20.00, and it is hard to find anyone under 40 that knows how to count change back anymore

I am practicing a bit with it now with a program. I should be feeling more comfortable with counting back after a while, also with big amounts.

There will probably also be Excell sheets on which stuff has to be put (financial balances). I hope they will explain all clearly to me so that I won't make any mistakes. There will probably also be a person who will train me the first few nights so hopefully that's not much of a problem.

 

[coyote]

There will probably also be Excell sheets on which stuff has to be put (financial balances). I hope they will explain all clearly to me so that I won't make any mistakes. There will probably also be a person who will train me the first few nights so hopefully that's not much of a problem.

yes, i would think so

try not to be afraid to ask for clarification on things you don't understand

you can phrase it something like, "how do you do that HERE?" - so it comes across as though you have experience with the concept but merely want to clarify the proper procedures for this particular business

 

[Richey]

There's prospects of a job for me, but there's one thing that's really making me nervous. It's dealing with money.

I'm somewhat of a discalculist. I don't know if it's because I simply am bad at math and counting, or if it's the nerves and anxiety I have developed around it. Either way, I feel like I need some practice with it or I'll go into panic mode on my first day. Dealing with large sums of money especially seems like a lot of responsibility and at a hotel it's likely there'll be a lot of money floating around. Especially the thought of having to calculate stuff in front of people scares me because I will feel pressure.

I really need to get over it. Does anyone have any relevant tips/info/thoughts?

In terms of adding up calculations, yeah, that would be a big responsiblity. you'd probably need a system to check very important calculations 3 times.

I think the hardest thing is when you'are asked to make a decision on behalf of a manager. As in they say, if you need whatever tools then spend what you like, just keep the receipt. I've had that quite a few times and i go into panic mode. As in i have to go outside because i start to get stomach issues. Cramps, everything.

But its not just because of money or calculations, its just general responsibilities at work, training new staff, the workload. the new work given everyday, ongoing project, things that aren't working correctly, The timing for finishing work. spreadhseets that have to be filled in.

Some places give you too much i think.

How do you deal with it? You just have to get the practice i suppose. Try not to be too sensitive to demands and the work and try to concentrate as best you can.

But POS software usually does the trick for finances, or a good Intranet software system will work it out automatically for each account.

 

[Lea]

Ugh, I have the same problem. That´s one of the reasons why I wouldn´t want to be a cashier or just sell things. I have been selfconscious about math and counting since young on, I was shy even with my father when he gave me things to count, I was embarassed what if I don´t know the answer or don´t reply quickly. I guess today I can be pretty quick at adding long columns of numbers or doing calculations manually. But I would be embarassed if I had to do it in front of people. I am afraid I would mess up, for example fail to return the right amount or so..

 

[laure15]

I can do quick mental calculations by myself, but when I'm around people, my mental abilities somehow dissipate and I find myself becoming very self conscious.

 

[Agent_Violet]

There's prospects of a job for me, but there's one thing that's really making me nervous. It's dealing with money.

I'm somewhat of a discalculist. I don't know if it's because I simply am bad at math and counting, or if it's the nerves and anxiety I have developed around it. Either way, I feel like I need some practice with it or I'll go into panic mode on my first day. Dealing with large sums of money especially seems like a lot of responsibility and at a hotel it's likely there'll be a lot of money floating around. Especially the thought of having to calculate stuff in front of people scares me because I will feel pressure.

I really need to get over it. Does anyone have any relevant tips/info/thoughts?

oh my,I am the exact same way with money! I get nervous writing up a tip and signing my credit card slip at restaurants especially if I have people looking at me. It's awful.

But ya know what,most people struggle to do math in their heads. There's no shame in whipping out that cellphone calculator. like every thing, I lighten it up and laugh at myself. Big dramatic phony sigh, "oh my gawd where's my calculator bc I'm mathematically brain dead!!" People laugh and usually say "ugh me too" I use my calculator and move on with life.

The key is getting people to relate with you so you don't feel so awkward and nervous about your issue.

I've found it actually endears you to people because they find you down to Earth and easy to be around when you openly admit your shortcomings about things and laugh at yourself.

When it comes to money...especially large amounts...it's better to take your time and count twice than to rush and have it taken out of your pay if you're short.

 

[S_eicher]

What about playing some sort of money game online? Something where you are supposed to buy and sell things?

 

[gustavofring]

What about playing some sort of money game online? Something where you are supposed to buy and sell things?

Yeah I'm doing exactly that. I also try to practice it a bit when I'm buying something at a shop, thinking how much change must be given back.