About 2.5 years ago I had an awful experience at work in my first senior level post, which I posted about here.
A new senior executive seemed to take a dislike to me for no apparent reason and then told my manager they didn’t like my work or want me to work for them any more
I was removed from a role that I excelled in and loved - although I eventually ended up retaining large parts of it (another story) and was placed in another position in the company for which I had very little prior experience, although some transferrable skills.
What shook me the most about this experience was that I had been given very little chance to prove myself or really do any work for the exec and I know with a little direction I would have done be well. I had been working in the same role v well up until their arrival.The work I had done took place in some really difficult chaotic circumstances. It was also my first biggish job and I felt I failed at it.
Fortunately, I have done very well in the new role and subsequently in the organisation. However I am still v upset about the exec experience. I found it quite humiliating and I’m convinced that everyone must think I’m not up to much.
I now can’t really go back into that area partly because I feel so shaken by everything that happened. (It later emerged a friend of the exec had been making manoeuvres behind the scenes for the role).
My current job now is relatively safe and decently paid but I am still v ambitious. I’ve seen a role working for another a company that would be challenging but great. A fresh start sounds great. However it is quite exposed and I am so worried something similar will happen again were I to be successful. A big if of course!
Whatever I decide about this job,I know I can’t let the belief that I’m an imposter who should be fired immediately stop me going forward but how can I get my confidence back?
It would be great to hear uplifting stories of Mnetters who turned similar situations around.