New job…not sure it’s for me! Is it imposter syndrome!

[AAT86]

I started a new job 8 weeks ago and it’s very different from what I have previously done and to be honest I actually can’t believe they gave me the job!
I have just had my 1st probation and flew through it as all I keep being told is how quick I have grasped what to do etc etc which is amazing and I have, I can do the job even though I’ve got lots to still learn, the team are all amazing and lovely it’s hybrid so wfh, office and out on visits etc. I’m also going to uni in 2026. There is just something in my gut where I just don’t know if it’s for me but I don’t know what it is! I don’t know if it’s anxiety about going to uni and having a lot of pressure for the next couple of years etc or imposter syndrome where I don’t feel good enough? I just can’t shake this feeling. Part of me feels like it’s because when things get real and tough I do have a habit of running! Has anyone been in a similar position like this and felt the same

I think most people get imposter syndrome when they start a new job. As the set up, company ethos, social cohesion between colleagues all varies.

Imposter syndrome is more about the environment you are in making you feel not good enough, rather than your own innate sense of doubt. Everything you have described is about your own sense of doubt. So no - it’s not imposter syndrome.

what are you doubtful of? Success? Achievement? Hard work? Commitment? Responsibility? You said you tend to run away from things? What things and why?

I feel like if things aren’t going to plan how I thought they would be or when things get tough I have a tendencie of giving up and lacking confidence within myself to achieve things! I tend to stick to my comfort zone and this has bought me right out of it and I think that’s partly to do with it, maybe the fear of having to work hard and wondering whether I can achieve the end goal and if I’m good enough and smart enough to do it. I think I have answered my own question here…

Ok. Here’s some tips that helped me in achieveing my career goals.

Firstly is the reality that most people dont achieve their goals if they don’t step outside of their comfort zone. Doing this is exactly what boosts your confidence to take the next step and the next and the next. You are increasing skills and your perception of ‘difficult’ with each move you make.

Breaking down big goals into much smaller ones is also helpful so we don’t become overwhelmed by the size/scale/ time required to achieve it. Think about 3/6 months from now rather than 2/4 years.

and finally the achievement itself is only worth it if you had to work at it. If it’s easy then you won’t feel any sense of accomplishment- like making a sandwich vs a banquet for 12.

you can achieve anything you want to when a) you enjoy your field of work and b) you don’t give up. Give yourself respite in the low/ hard moments sure - but refuse to quit.

what field are you going to study?