Self worth and imposter syndrome

[Guest_63420675]

How do you cultivate a sense of worthiness when everything valuable about you is taken away?

I have put a lot of self worth in my work, which I enjoy and find meaningful, but after a very long specialisation process (2 university degrees and 10 years of postgraduate training) I have almost completed my training but now find myself soon to be unemployed. Employers who I worked with while training and who encouraged me to apply with them when I had completed training have employed others instead. I have applied at other employers in several states and been unsuccessful so far. I will be unemployed in 3 weeks time.

I don't have any hobbies as I had to give up many things for the demands of my work and training.

I have to leave my rental shortly as it was sold, and don't feel I can take on a new lease without some kind of work that will enable me to pay rent.

I am not close to my family (my parents consider me an embarassing disappointment for various reasons). I've moved too many times for work to keep many friends, I never had a lot of close friends anyway.

A lot of my identity and meaning in life came from my job, which I have dedicated and sacrificed for, and now it feels like that industry is rejecting me without a second thought.

A lot of online sources suggest spending time with friends (which I don't really have) or hobbies (which I don't have and can't afford as I'm about to be unemployed and need to save money however I can given the current cost of living). And I need to get rid of all of my stuff that won't fit in the car very soon anyway.

I've always struggled with imposter syndrome but usually managed to put it back in its box, but events really seem to show me up as an imposter - otherwise surely someone would employ me.

Not sure what to do next.

[Sophie_M]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out and for sharing all of this so openly. It sounds like you’ve poured so much of yourself. Time, energy and passion into your work and training, and now you’re facing such an uncertain and painful moment. That loss of structure, identity, and recognition can cut deep, and it makes so much sense that you're feeling overwhelmed and adrift right now.

It’s also incredibly hard to navigate this kind of transition without the usual buffers, hobbies, friendships, a stable home especially when it feels like the very thing that gave you meaning is slipping away. Please know that this experience doesn’t make you a failure, and it certainly doesn’t mean you're an imposter. You’re someone who’s worked incredibly hard and who is facing circumstances that are tough and, frankly, unfair.

You are not alone in feeling this way, and there are still places to turn. It might be helpful to talk to someone one-on-one who can support you as you face these changes, someone who can help you hold onto perspective and possibility even in the midst of all this uncertainty. Beyond Blue has counsellors available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 or via webchat here: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

We're really glad you posted here. It’s okay to not know what comes next. Just being here and putting words to your experience is a meaningful start. Please keep reaching out. You deserve support, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

Take gentle care,
Sophie M