To think there are no women without imposter syndrome?

[TwinkleToesForever]

I suffer terribly with imposter syndrome. I am an experienced professional and work in a high performing environment. I am in a constant state of anxiety, feel like a fraud and am very hard on myself for the smallest error. I always reflect on what I’ve said in meetings and feel like a complete fool. Everyone around me seems highly competent and more in favour with the boss. I am exhausted with it all and think daily about resigning because I’m just not good enough and can’t take the pressure anymore. On the other hand I earn well and I feel fortunate to have the position I have . I’ve read that this is very common in women - Anyone out there not feel like they are failing every day? That they are good at their job? How do you do it? I’d love to learn some coping mechanisms and generally how to give myself a break!!! I am also thinking daily that because this job makes me miserable ( very alpha and competitive culture) I should just give up and leave, but then I’d probably beat myself up for that too! Any advice welcome!!

skirk, do you think about the same if men, or just women?

I think I'm good at other things, does that mean I am not? Or do you only apply your idea to work?

I don't have it because I'm just not good at anything. Never been good enough to feel like that.

skirk do you honestly believe that? Most women are either bad at their job or are good at their job but don't think they are??

@Silverfly

skirk do you honestly believe that? Most women are either bad at their job or are good at their job but don't think they are??

It’s so depressing isn’t it. Women aren’t allowed to say they are good at anything apparently. I really hope @skirk64 isn’t raising daughters - I would hate to think what impact that sort of attitude could have on a young woman’s self esteem.

I generally don't but I am in my 50s and top of my career (lawyer) and done pretty well and know I am good. I have worked full time for 38 years without a break. In that kind of time scale you getting fairly sure of how good you are. I hope both my lawyer daughters know how good they are too (they are!)

@skirk64

Ironically, the women who don't have imposter syndrome are usually the ones who genuinely are incompetent or out of their depth, but are just too arrogant to realise it. Mostly they are in fields where arrogance is necessary for success, like politics, entertainment or sport. Nicola Sturgeon, Jess Phillips, Kim Kardashian, Megan Rapinoe to name but a few.

Oh fuck off with this shit.