Imposter syndrome

[EspressoExpresso]

Does it ever get better? Or go away completely?

When I think logically about it, I know I'm good at my job. I've been promoted twice in 12 months. Reviews, feedback and results are all incredibly positive. There's never been a negative.

So why do I still feel like this?

[bungleZippy12]

I don’t know the answer but I’ve always struggled with this too.

[Icenii]

I have it so bad I'm paronoid I don't have it and am just crap!

Mine has gotten worse as I've gotten older.

[milski]

I've always struggled with this. I went to a session on it once and they said that those feelings can help to drive you to do well and it seems like you're a good example of that! Well done on the promotions.

[Lifeaintalwaysempty]

Same definitely worse as I’ve got older, to the point of unconscious self sabotage I think!

[Icenii]

I see lots of young talent come through, and I think they are so much better than me and because I'm older and experienced it panics me!

[Muchtoomuchtodo]

I’m the same and for the first time ever I admitted it in my annual appraisal at work. I changed jobs last year and we also have a new appraisal system which gave me more opportunity to express how I feel and what I really think.

I’ve never been told I’m under performing at work but until now have never had much positivity in my appraisals,

My manager was gobsmacked, but I’ve just convinced myself that she’s good at acting!

It’s the same with most things that I do, my sports, parenting, cooking etc. It’s a funny thing but I don’t think it’s going to go away now, at the grand age of 45!!

[PopcornAndWine]

I hear you OP! Also curious about this and if it is predominantly women who suffer (think I know the answer to that...).

It's something I have always had and only recently learned the name for it. I am now in a position with lots of responsibility, I consistently get excellent feedback from managers and peers, I always meet goals and got a brilliant bonus last year. But I can't shake this feeling that I don't really know what I am doing and will be caught out at any moment!

[Paranoidandroidmarvin1350]

I never did. In the end I stepped down from the team leader position. And even then I still felt bad. So I left. It’s ridiculous. I’m ridiculous. But it is what it is. Hate my job now. But nothing I can do as I need the money.

I think leaving was the best thing for me though as I was living in fear every day someone would realise I couldn’t do the job.

[Ideasplease322]

It’s awful. I had a conversation with my boss who is an amazing high flier And he told me it is sometimes crippling!

I am amazed at the confidence of some people. I wish I had some.

[EspressoExpresso]

I'm glad it's not just me, but equally I'm sorry you all suffer too! I do also wonder about the incidence of men Vs women imposters.

I think a large part of my issue is that I went into my new job role 12 months ago, and it's totally different to my previous 15 years employment in a totally different industry. I've been in the company 12 months but was known to them prior to that through a hobby/interest. The two promotions have me at a position that would normally require a relevant degree, which I don't have. I don't have any degree, I dropped out of uni without graduating. I feel like this is a big contributor for me.

My job role is also something that comes with a lot of wellbeing support and it is in my contract that I see a clinical supervisor once a week (a counsellor essentially). This is something that has been discussed a lot and nothing has helped!