Imposter syndrome... or knowing your limits?

[Ihaveneedofwaternear]

How do you tell the difference? I know many, MANY people have imposter syndrome, but what about if you really do worry that a job is outside the scope of what you can manage? How can you tell, without holding yourself back?

I have been bored in my job for quite a while now, and I have nearly gone for two jobs and now a third had come up that looks great. It's actually more of a sideways move within the same band (NHS), but to a different area and with more scope for progression/learning new skills.

But, I have also struggled with balancing work and life for the last few years as well (young kids). I'm so worried to take a job and not cope, but I don't want to stagnate and be bored. Anyone been in a similar situation?

The only way you are really going to know is if you take the leap and go for it. Could you go back to where you are now if it didn't work out?

I was in a similar situation a few years ago when I went for promotion. It worked out for me then. I am now weighing up whether I should go for another one. You really won't know unless you try though.

No, I couldn't go back, they'd have to fill my position quickly. It's just terrifying to imagine taking the leap and it not working out. But I'm only 39, don't want to be in the same job forever either!

Go for it. Because what's the alternative? Stay in current job (that you're already bored with) for the next 20 years? That's not great for your mind or your wallet!

I think you'll surprise yourself. And anyway, if it doesn't work out, what's the worst than can happen? You quit.

Needed to read that. Thank you ☺️

Thanks, @TheFirstTimeEverISawYourFace I suppose mind goes to "what if I can't do it, what if I get overwhelmed and need time off work, what if I have to quit, I couldn't quit because of the mortgage, what if I end up miserable..."

But when I'm feeling more settled, I feel excited at the thought of the role and like I'd be good at it. You're right, I don't want to stay here another 20 years!

Go for it. Sometimes the job looks much scarier on paper than it actually is. Last year, I was fortunate to land a really good job. When a recruiter contacted me and sent me the job spec, I thought no way I would manage this job. Even though I have sector knowledge and experience, I don’t have a lot of technical knowledge for the role and it is IT related role. The recruiter encouraged me to go for it and 9 months later, I m glad I did. While the job is much harder than my previous job but It’s not as hard as their job description sounds. I m doing so much better than other colleagues who comes from technical background but without the sector knowledge & experience as colleague struggle to understand the business process side of things. You won’t grow if you don’t get out of your comfort zone.