So I wouldn’t say I get that bad of anxiety overall, but for some reason when trying to talk to my boss about my rates I get the worst anxiety, to the point that I can sense myself probably looking visibly uncomfortable and I hate it. Can tell by his body language too that he probably realizes I’m nervous. 

I’ve been trying to bring myself to ask for a raise these past couple meetings, but I can never seem to bring myself to do it. Im scared I’m going to get so nervous that I’ll start stumbling over my words and make myself look bad. I’m very confident in my work I do and I know I’m not easily replaceable, and they can definitely afford to give me a raise, so idk why I’m so scared to ask. But it’s getting to the point that I feel like I need to be on some sort of substance just to get the courage to do it. I’ve never taken any anxiety meds in my life so what to try to help in a situation like this. In other rare situations where I’m experiencing a lot of anxiety, I’ll honestly take a shot of liquor (sounds bad but I promise I’m not an alcoholic lol), but those are usually in situations where it wouldn’t be the end of the world if whoever I was with found out. Definitely not trying to have my boss think I’m drinking on the job unless I can hide it well. 

Anyone have any suggestions?