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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Civil service imposter syndrome

7 replies

Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 09:25

I am having a wobble and I just need a pep talk
I moved jobs been in the new role promotion to Heo
I just feel very lost not much guidance and it’s a make the job your own kinda thing but not much of a handover etc I’m doing lots of chatting and meeting with people to get info etc
Team are amazing and very much work to your own etc
It’s a business manager role
I think I’m just struggling with the going from a self I was comfy and knew everything to a new one where I feel in my head people are going to think I’m stupid (even when I do suss out role etc) hopefully meeting with others doing the same job will help
But today and last couple days I just feel so overwhelmed with anxiety that I am stupid and will never know how to do a new job role
Yes I know it’s only been one week lol
I guess I’ve just come on here to say am I normal?
Thanks xx

OP posts:
Norma27 · 02/11/2025 09:32

I think it’s normal.
I am in the civil service and have to do a really tough 18month/2 year training programme. I got signed off my training last week and said I feel I have imposter syndrome. I do know I can do the job well though.
Good luck in your new role. I am sure you will settle well into the role.

Original poster
Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 09:34

Thank you I will just need to calm down

OP posts:
BiddyPopthe2nd · 02/11/2025 10:32

totally normal. I moved through a number of civil service grades and always felt imposter syndrome - even when I knew I was well up for it and was more effective than many others in the grade (some of them many years).

Try to make a plan of what you want to achieve - both short and longer term objectives. And look back at the end of each day or week to notice the things you achieved - a phone call to a useful contact for a longer term objectives, getting sign off for your manager for something or giving feedback to a team member, sending something specific onwards (an answer to a PQ, a letter for Ministerial reps, a recommendation for approval/rejection of an application for one of your schemes,…whatever works for your area). Notice things you’ve actually done - and record them to look back on. They can be small, but find something you have achieved every day - and you will find things. And in a couple of weeks, look back to see how you have grown in knowledge and confidence. And keep doing that.

The competitions for promotion are hard, and they are designed to promote those who are ready and capable for it - so remember that. And know that many people much further up also feel the same way! But the “keep calm and carry on” mantra really helps.

Original poster
Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 11:09

Thank you my brain is causing my heart anxiety I know I “think” it’s normal guessing just need the reassurance and chatting to others will help

OP posts:
Original poster
Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 12:34

Norma27 · 02/11/2025 09:32

I think it’s normal.
I am in the civil service and have to do a really tough 18month/2 year training programme. I got signed off my training last week and said I feel I have imposter syndrome. I do know I can do the job well though.
Good luck in your new role. I am sure you will settle well into the role.

Well done for completing your training I’m guessing I’m not alone in the way I feel xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 12:48

Norma27 · 02/11/2025 09:32

I think it’s normal.
I am in the civil service and have to do a really tough 18month/2 year training programme. I got signed off my training last week and said I feel I have imposter syndrome. I do know I can do the job well though.
Good luck in your new role. I am sure you will settle well into the role.

Thank you I will just need to calm down

OP posts:
Original poster
Toots0412 · 02/11/2025 12:48

BiddyPopthe2nd · 02/11/2025 10:32

totally normal. I moved through a number of civil service grades and always felt imposter syndrome - even when I knew I was well up for it and was more effective than many others in the grade (some of them many years).

Try to make a plan of what you want to achieve - both short and longer term objectives. And look back at the end of each day or week to notice the things you achieved - a phone call to a useful contact for a longer term objectives, getting sign off for your manager for something or giving feedback to a team member, sending something specific onwards (an answer to a PQ, a letter for Ministerial reps, a recommendation for approval/rejection of an application for one of your schemes,…whatever works for your area). Notice things you’ve actually done - and record them to look back on. They can be small, but find something you have achieved every day - and you will find things. And in a couple of weeks, look back to see how you have grown in knowledge and confidence. And keep doing that.

The competitions for promotion are hard, and they are designed to promote those who are ready and capable for it - so remember that. And know that many people much further up also feel the same way! But the “keep calm and carry on” mantra really helps.

Thank you my brain is causing my heart anxiety I know I “think” it’s normal guessing just need the reassurance and chatting to others will help

OP posts:
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