Everyone has days where they make mistakes at work or feel like they aren’t doing a great job, however, if you feel like this all the time, you could be suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

This isn’t just a case of ‘a bad day at the office’, it’s a real and recognised state of mind in which individuals doubt their abilities or achievements regardless of evidence of their competence or success in their role.

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People experiencing Imposter Syndrome constantly fear being ‘exposed as a fraud’, believing that they do not deserve their career success and have somehow achieved their position or accomplishments purely by luck or by deceiving colleagues into thinking they are more intelligent than they perceive themselves to be.

Although it can affect anyone, Imposter Syndrome appears to present itself more frequently in very high achievers and perfectionists and isn’t necessarily linked to low self-esteem or lack of confidence.

Luckily help is at hand as this feeling is far more common that you might think and talking about it can be part of the solution. Recognising that you feel like this is the first step towards addressing it and finding out that others are subjected to these same feelings is a positive step forward to realising that the feelings are not just about you but can be triggered by the interplay between a range of internal and external factors. For instance, it could be the outcome of a misalignment between an individual’s sense of their authentic self and the compromises they may be making in order to maintain a work position which brings financial security and/or high status but is neither stimulating nor fulfilling. Equally, it could be associated with parental attitudes towards one’s achievements in earlier life, either from being overpraised or underpraised which can end up as the root of an individual’s imposter syndrome.

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To find out more about Imposter Syndrome, what causes it, how to identify if you are suffering from it and some useful information about how to overcome it, we are pleased to offer a great range of resources on the topic in our resources zone. Here you will find videos and articles which offer advice and handy tips, as well as in-depth exploration of how gender and minority group stereotyping can contribute to triggering the imposter state of mind.

Imposter Syndrome Resources

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If you’re feeling unhappy or unsure in your role, some career coaching can also help. Talking through your situation with an expert consultant can be a step towards finding direction and job satisfaction and overcoming fears and barriers to career progression. Contact us today to find out how Careers in Depth can help you with career change or career development.

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