Autism and Imposter syndrome (new job)

[Colliewobbles123]

I’ve just started a new job in engineering and I have the most awful imposter syndrome.

I’m autistic and have anxiety anyway but this is a brand new self doubting impostery situation and I need some help with it if possible.

I feel like;

1. I don’t deserve to be working there
2. they’re paying me too much
3. I’m not a good fit
4. I have too much to learn, so much so that all the focussing gives me these awful forehead headaches.

Basically I’m at my desk and I just feel like running home to save them from me

Also, not sure if it’s relevant but the strip lighting is intense and I’m always bloody cold. Two sensory overloady things I hate the most.

I didn’t disclose I was autistic at my interview and now I regret it.

I’d love some reassuring tips on how to settle in my new job, how to retain information and how to stop feeling like I’m a big silly craphead who’s masking for 8 hours a day.

Thanks

The first day is the worst. It gets better from then in.

They hired you and agreed the pay. You were chosen. Bet they aren't paying you enough.

Thermal base layers. Merino wool. If you can.

Omg, engineering is awesome! You absolutely do deserve to work there and, once you've settled in, you're going to be better than all of them put together! 😃

Have faith 🙏 you're going to be brilliant. Take your time, learn what you need to and relax.

Yup Uniqlo heattech and nice fluffy jumpers.

You smashed the interview - they chose the pay and who knows a company that overpays?

No-one is expecting you to be 100% from day 1 at all - 2-3 months is a good time for on boarding fully… but also …

Ask them what their expectations are and ask for feedback as you onboard

And make a mini plan you can tick off as you go even if 1 small thing

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for replying!! You’ve all made me feel better already and optimistic!

And breeeeathe!!

Loving the mini plan idea because I’m obsessed with list making!

It’s a career change at age 36! So pretty cool! @BarrowInFurnessRailwayStation

Wow. That's amazing. And brave. (ND brave as in just courageous no hidden meaning)

I wonder how she's getting on 🤔

Hi everyone! I had some great feedback to my work & I woke up feeling excited about going back in!

I hope it continues! I expect I’ll get waves of low self esteem but I’m bonding well with new colleagues and I just have to keep going.

My grandma used to say it takes about 12 weeks to feel “settled”…. 💪🏻 I got this!

@Colliewobbles123

Hi everyone! I had some great feedback to my work & I woke up feeling excited about going back in!

I hope it continues! I expect I’ll get waves of low self esteem but I’m bonding well with new colleagues and I just have to keep going.

My grandma used to say it takes about 12 weeks to feel “settled”…. 💪🏻 I got this!

What a fabulously positive update!

With spring on the not too distant horizon you won't need thermals for much longer and with the brighter days, the strip lights can be turned off

Well done. I'm glad you're settling in well and enjoying it 😀

That’s great 🙏🏼