Is it normal to feel capable but still doubt yourself at work?

[LindaFiato]

I’ve been in my role long enough to know I’m competent. I get good feedback and manage my workload fine. Yet every so often I’m convinced I’ve missed something obvious or misunderstood expectations.
Outwardly everything looks fine, but internally I’m second guessing more than I’d like to admit. It doesn’t stop me doing my job, it’s just tiring.

Sounds like Imposter Syndrome.

Yes, I really relate to this. I can be perfectly capable on paper, getting things done and positive feedback, and still have that nagging feeling that I’ve missed something obvious.
For me it’s less about confidence and more about mental load — when there’s a lot going on, the second guessing creeps in even if nothing’s actually wrong. It is tiring, like you say, having that low-level doubt running in the background all the time.

I really relate to this and I think it’s far more common than people admit. You can be capable and still doubt yourself especially if you care about doing a good job. I find the more responsibility I have the more I sometimes question myself rather than less.
For me it comes and goes. When I’m busy or tired the second guessing is louder even though nothing has actually changed. Getting good feedback helps but it never fully switches that voice off. I don’t think it means you’re not suited to the role at all it just means you’re human and thoughtful about your work.

Yes, completely normal. I think a lot of capable people have this low-level self-doubt running in the background, even when all the evidence says they’re doing fine. If anything, the people who never question themselves are often the ones who should.
I’ve found it comes and goes depending on stress, tiredness, or how much else is going on. It’s exhausting, but it doesn’t mean you’re not good at your job — it usually means you care and you’re paying attention.

Very, very normal, and it’s a good thing as it means you’re questioning what you’re doing, or stretching yourself. It’s only problematic if you start engaging in perfectionism and never finish anything, or avoidance and thereby never start anything

Agree with@curious79 reflective and self-critical is good to some extent. When it stops you doing things, not so much.

I have been working 30 odd years and have woken up with anxious malaise about work this morning, so your thread is useful reminder that it is a really common thing, especially in women. I think if you care about what you do some degree of worrying about getting it right is not a bad thing.

What to do to allay it getting overwhelming and exhausting? My go to will be to make a list of stuff to be done and then think about what really needs to be done today and just try and get through that. Parking the rumination, and getting on with tasks helps me. Also sometimes if it's really bad I have a look at some of the positive feedback I have had and try to believe it.

You have got this, you are doing it well. Try and turn your worry into something tangible like a list that you can tick off, but maybe you aren't getting the reassurance/feedback/clarity you need from your manager?

Hope you have a productive day. Hope I have one too!