Imposter syndrome at work

[FranLoch33]

I feel like an imposter in every work or work-like situation I’m in. I’ve been in my current workplace for almost 10 years and doing the same sort of work for about 3, so it’s not a case of still learning the ropes. I feel that I’m often making mistakes and that I’m a square peg in a round hole.

Unfortunately, though, I have felt like this in pretty much every job I’ve done and I’ve done a variety of them - it’s like my brain just won’t work the right way. I’ve wondered at times if I might have ADHD, but I don’t think I fit all the criteria and what’s the point pursuing that considering it costs so much to see a psychiatrist for a diagnosis (never mind the wait time). Don’t really know what I’m trying to say here, except that it’s distressing feeling like I’m constantly having to run to keep up at work and always making mistakes.

Friends have told me to get a new job but I can’t think of another job I might be able to do well and, even more than that, enjoy. Does anyone else feel like this or have you felt like this and found a way through it to a better place?

[Dean07]

Hi FranLock33.

This resonates with me.  I’ve worked in the same industry for 48 years.  Self employed for 35 years.  
Perfectionism play a big role in my imposter syndrome.  Setting ridiculous high standards I couldn’t meet all the time fostered a feeling I was incompetent and people would find this out. I didn’t want anyone to know I found parts of my job difficult because I thought I’d loose work if I wasn’t perfect.  
A couple of things helped.  I admitted I wouldn’t set these standards for anyone else and set more realistic expectations.  
i also tested what would happen if I admitted that I wasn’t perfect and I didn’t know everything about my job.  I was pleasantly surprised that the world didn’t end and my worrying was a waste of time.  When I admitted to not knowing something I could then ask others how they tackled things. I learnt a lot and was able to pass on what I knew.  I built up people I could call and discuss issues. I was no longer on my own and this worked well for the others as well.  The combination knowledge of the group was much greater than I would have found on my own.  

I also looked at my ability today as a step in a life long learning process.  What I know today is less than I know tomorrow. I am always improving.  Not knowing something is now a chance to learn and improve.  There is no perfect me now. Just someone who is learning every day and enjoying the process.  

It didn’t happen overnight but changing how I see myself has made a big difference.