It is important to take your health into account when thinking about your career paths. That being said, you are 18 and your parents are right to expect you to get a job soon.

Are there jobs that you can apply for that would be less stressful?

No matter what, I think that the first thing you need to do is to talk to your parents, explain that you understand their excitement but that your mental health needs to come into consideration as well. Explain that this opportunity isn't going to work out and that you hope with more counseling you will learn the techniques that will allow you to be successful in the workplace.

Then go and do just that. Turn down the job, politely explaining that you appreciate the offer but that it won't work out for you at this time. (That's all you have to say! You don't have to go into any more details.) Then, get very proactive with your counselor and explain that a goal of yours is to be able to obtain a employment and manage your anxiety while working. What kind of counselor are you seeing? Cognitive-behavioral therapy works really well for anxiety. My sister is doing that right now. It's very goal-oriented. If you explain that your goal is to be able to handle the working world, then you can focus on developing the skills that will allow you to do that.

Finally, apply to jobs that you believe will involve the least amount of exposure to the anxieties that bother you the most. It sounds like people-oriented jobs are to be avoided -- for now at least. Work with your counselor on overcoming the generalized anxiety of the workplace. Then work on skills that are required for people-oriented work.

You can do it!

Been there, done that. Yes take the job. It is exactly what you need. "Man up" as they say. You're tougher than you think and each hour, each day, each week, each month, you will grow stronger and more able to deal with it. Here is some stuff that will help you. You are too inner directed. The more you are involved in your work, or trying to accomplish something at your work or deal with people putting them at ease, the less you will be focused on yourself and how you feel. And, others are also mostly focused on themselves and their needs. They really are much less interested in you and what you do than you think. Get in the habit of positive self- talk. Instead of " I have emotional problems" replace that with "I am a fairly sensitive person, but I am also fully able to use my experiences in life to become stronger and more self reliant. " When ever you find yourself with negative self talk, come up with a positive replacement. And by the way, intelligent sensitive people often times have your exact symptoms. You are not the first nor will you be the last to find these things very challenging while young. People like you and I typically do not do well with caffeine nor alcohol. Carbohydrates like bread or pasta, and proteins like meat and fish can help. Eating too much sugar and junk food definitely makes things worse. Getting regular exercise helps a lot and get this! Jogging outside through a neighborhood or shopping center or where there are people does wonders for bringing you out of a defensive mind-set and more into a goal oriented, strong willed, take charge personality. Good luck. You'll be fine. Enjoy the journey!