Real people. Real workplace moments.
1. What was happening at work when you first started thinking, “Maybe I don’t actually know what I’m doing”?
I got hired. After 12 years of unemployment, due to a variety of reasons, I was hired doing the type of work I love. I instantly started worrying that they had made a mistake in hiring me, that they would figure it out quickly and let me go.
2. What makes that feeling especially strange when there’s also evidence that you are capable and good at what you do?
I am appreciated and valued where I work, shown in both words and money. The employer doesn’t suffer fools so I would have been gone quickly if I wasn’t good. And I know that I am good. I love my field, I love the amount of human interaction I have, I love feeling valued by someone not related to me by blood or vows. And while I know I am appreciated I still question my worth.
3. When you look at the people around you, what do you assume they know or understand that you don’t? And what actual evidence do you have for that?
I assume they know everything. That I’m the only one that makes any mistakes. But they all come to me with questions because if I don’t have the answers I will find them.
4. How does feeling like an imposter change the way you work—how much you prepare, speak up, ask questions, take risks, or judge yourself?
I overcompensate. I am making myself a subject matter expert. I prepare in advance for everything. I ask all the questions then apologize for asking them because I don’t want to be a bother. I don’t need to be right but I do need to be correct. So even the smallest error will make me question myself for days and I will overcompensate again.
5. What do you wish people talked about more honestly when it comes to this topic?
Along the lines of only good moms worry if they actually are good moms, if you care enough to feel like an imposter you probably aren’t.