does anyone have generalized mental tools for dealing with the anxiety of anticipating uncertain future events?

The first things that spring to mind are cognitive behavioral therapy with a competent trained professional, and medication. My understanding is that both of these have a statistically solid record of helping with this sort of problem. (The evidence for CBT without a professional is much less robust, but still looks goodish.)

Also, does anyone else share this problem, or am I actually odd?

My sister is similar. She's had moderate success with CBT + medication, come to think of it.

Congrats on finding the job, by the way. That's not easy, even without horrible anxiety problems.