Anyone overcome imposter syndrome?

[Imposter1]

I’m about to start a new job.

I’ve been in my current role for over 10 years and have flown under the radar whilst I’ve had little kids and maternity leave etc. and been very “comfortable” but it’s very boring and they don’t pay me enough. I want more for my children, want to move house which I definitely can’t do on my current salary, so I’ve made the jump and after several interviews I got this awesome job that pays more (enough to move) and offers great progression. It’s literally a dream!

Here’s the thing… I’m shitting myself! What if I’m not good enough or they realise I’m not as good as my CV. I’m pretty sure I have imposter syndrome! People keep congratulating me and I always say “I just hope it works out!”. I keep having dreams of failing my probation period or making a terrible mistake.

I’m pretty sure it’s imposter syndrome that kept me in my boring “safe” role for so long. Taking this jump is quite out of character for me and I am feeling really quite nervous.

How do I get over this? Anyone managed it?

I know I am smart, hardworking, and perfectly qualified for the job but still have this doubt hanging over me!

I should add that two things that don’t help:

The job title of the new job is really quite cool, senior, wow factor… my old company didn’t really do job titles in the same way. The only person with a cool job title was right at the top!

My old boss was quite the micromanager and in fact the whole industry was quite pedantic… eg proofing my important emails before I sent them, rewording things, asking me to follow up to say “thanks”to all emails

The new job is not like that I’m expected to be fully independent. Nobody will micromanage me

I’m not sure you’ll get many replies cos we’re all extremely jealous 🤣

Good luck and don’t worry about imposter syndrome. You’re nervous because you care about the job. That’s a good thing!

My old boss was quite the micromanager and in fact the whole industry was quite pedantic… eg proofing my important emails before I sent them, rewording things, asking me to follow up to say “thanks”to all emails

The new job is not like that I’m expected to be fully independent. Nobody will micromanage me

This ^ is important. Micromanagement can be really undermining and detrimental to your confidence. You will likely find that you blossom in a more supportive and empowering environment. You say you’ve been in your current role 10 years. What were your roles before that like? Did you feel capable and effective? If yes, tap into those earlier experiences and how you operated then. If you were great before, you can be great again. A dispiriting role that grinds you down doesn’t mean the fundamental youness of you has changed, it just wasn’t the right environment for you to shine.

Remember - they wouldn't have given you the job if they didn't think you could do it.

I recently asked my work for a 12k payrise; I'd been offered my old job back with a company I LOVED, but on a temp contract. Told my current company I'd stay if they matched the offered salary...and they did. I feel like an imposter every single day; but I've realised, if they didn't think I was worth the raise, they'd cheerfully have waved me off

How are you getting on OP?
I negotiated a huge pay rise and responsibility increase because I was offered another job. It’s the first week and I haven’t found my feet and feel like a HUGE imposter. I feel like I’ve over sold myself and think I’ll be discovered as useless at any moment.

@dumphies21

I recently asked my work for a 12k payrise; I'd been offered my old job back with a company I LOVED, but on a temp contract. Told my current company I'd stay if they matched the offered salary...and they did. I feel like an imposter every single day; but I've realised, if they didn't think I was worth the raise, they'd cheerfully have waved me off

This is exactly me!