To ask if you feel like a fraud in everyday life?

[FallenThroughTheRabitHole]

If I'm being truly honest I always feel a bit of a fraud. Not because I'm lying about something but because I have no idea what I'm doing be it at work or at home. I'm always just acting in the situation with no strategic insight.

I've read a lot on 'Imposter syndrome' and that's not what this is as at least imposters have somewhat of an idea it's just they think they shouldn't be there but are coping. This isn't an issue about anxiety or confidence either. It's just a case of not really knowing what the hell you are doing but acting in the moment with no real insight or plan.

Does anyone else go through life the same? With parenting or work or relationships. Not quite here nor there but somehow just surviving because that is at least our basic instinct?

Yes, I think I can relate. I feel like I'm putting on an act every time I speak to anyone, I don't think anyone really knows me - even me. I react to every situation/conversation so differently that I'm not even sure who I am.

It's like I rebound off everything around me, I have no directional force of my own - I just adapt. Is that what you mean, op?

Snowie It was Henry Thoreau.

OP do you always follow the 'expected path'? Do pretty much what others envision?

I've spent my adult life 'waiting to be found out'- I said this to one of my colleagues once, a very high powered director, she laughed and said 'We're all thinking that!' Made me feel a whole lot better about myself, just like all the previous posters.

So it was, Arsenic, thanks!

Pipbin I am also a teacher and spend my life expecting to be found out I am blagging it!!

I am trained and do know my subject but still feel like this!

Don't tolerate that kind of spice for too long Snowie

Yes! 100% feel like a fraud. Sometimes I think to myself 'oh my goodness I sound like I know what I'm talking about!'

I was hoping that everyone felt the same

Pink Floyd said "hanging on in quiet desperation is the English way".

I'm always afraid that, eventually, someone will figure out that I have no idea what I'm doing.

.

I wonder if this was on a male mumsnet equivalent whether so many men would be agreeing. I suspect not, I think it's a very female thing.

Test

Yep I completely get this.

FannyPlant - I don't feel as if I'm winging it but the price to pay is a lot of observation, research and analysis to ensure I take decisions that are as fact-based as possible.