Do you ever feel that you'll never match up to others' success

[Clubtropicanadrinksarenotfree]

My father has an MPhil, a PhD and was a senior lecturer for a long time, now a researcher. He's published over 100 papers and written several books.

My Mum's in healthcare and has a senior position on a very good salary, she completed a Degree as a mature student, then completed further study later in life and acts as a mentor to students now too.

My brother's at a top 5 university, going into final year,. He's always been a straight A* student and very gifted, on track for a 1st.

I got very average GCSEs and A-Level, went to a RG university and got a 2:2, completed a Postgraduate Certificate and got a Merit.

I'm now applying for Masters and/or Doctoral study but part of me feels like I have imposter syndrome. I think in part my grades were also due to laziness, but on the other hand I do sometimes feel that I'm just not as intelligent.

I have worked in my industry for a decade but I've never earned a massive salary. I'm currently on £24k a year and I'm 32.

A friend who's 29 is now on 70k.

I feel that I'm just 'ok' a lot of the time. And that should be fine. I don't know how to build my confidence. If I even get accepted into Postgraduate study, I'm worried I'd just fail.

I'm sure people will read this and feel like I'm ridiculous, and I probably am. I'm sure there are people who would love to be on 24k or who'd be more than happy with a 2:2. I'm sure this doesn't come across well.

I know there will always be someone 'better' whether that be academically or otherwise.

If I get accepted, I'll have a chance to work hard and prove myself, and maybe this could lead to better prospects.

Comparison is the thief of joy. You've accomplished a lot more than many people and you've done well to do so. I have no advice on how to gain more confidence as I struggle with that myself but you only fail by not trying. Good luck with your application, I'm sure you'll nail it once you get there

Why are you going down the further academic study route if academia isn't really your strength?

Thank you, that's very kind.
I also compare myself to friends which is wrong. As far as I know, only one of them has a Postgraduate qualification, but all are on around 30k, one's on 45k I think.
I was always seen as the 'intelligent' one at school and now I'm doing the 'worst' so to speak.
But I need to stop comparing

Prove yourself to whom?

How are you defining "success" ?

I'm doing it to improve my job prospects, as it would allow me to apply for higher positions in my field

I think I'm capable of obtaining good grades if I put more work in. I got Firsts in 1 or 2 modules in my Degree and Postgraduate Certificate but other grades brought it down

Once you are in the working world success is rarely down to just academic skills though. I would focus on what are the skills successful people have in your industry...
Is it putting in long hours? Leadership? Creativity? Etc.

Will further study lead to a definite promotion or could it be the wrong direction to focus your energy?

What's your aim here? To earn more cash or become a "successful academic"? Sometimes the two happily coincide, sometimes you have to choose. Plenty of doctors go into pharm research for example as the large companies pay well, hours are good etc etc.

I know someone from a very musically gifted family who is not. He fell in love with his in-laws when they asked him if his sibling made any money as a top orchestra player. I think it suddenly occurred to him that for many people music is not the be all and end all !!

You are already a high acheiver! Your family are well above the "norm" and constantly comparing yourself to a fairly small part of society is damaging your confidence.If you do your Masters it must be for you ,not to comparison with your family.

You're fine.... their are many other qualities that are great to have and I bet you have some of them. Stop the race to the top, you will never be happy that way ...