The job market these days is extremely competitive, and this has led to many people on the internet feeling like they don’t belong when they finally land their dream job. There’s always that constant anxious feeling where everyone around you knows exactly what they’re doing while you're just waiting to be exposed as a fraud. This feeling is called imposter syndrome, and it’s a surprisingly common experience in the workplace. But before you let it undermine your confidence, let’s break down what imposter syndrome at work really is, why it happens, and—most importantly—why you absolutely do belong in your career. 

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is that feeling that you're not as competent or qualified as others think you are, despite clear evidence of your abilities. It’s a feeling that starts small in the back of your head and as days pass, it almost becomes an enormous wave. It’s a mental struggle where you doubt your accomplishments and fear being unmasked as a fraud. This can happen even when you've got the qualifications, the experience, and the accolades to back you up.

At work, imposter syndrome can hit hard. It can make you second-guess your decisions, hesitate to take on new challenges or avoid seeking recognition for your work. You might find yourself attributing your success to luck, timing, or even other people, instead of your own skills and efforts.

Why Do People Experience Imposter Syndrome at Work?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone, regardless of their job title, experience level, or industry. However, there are certain factors that can make you more susceptible or insecure about your current position at work.

• New Challenges: For many people, starting a new job, taking on a new role, or even working on a challenging project can trigger imposter syndrome. When you're out of your comfort zone, self-doubt can creep in.
• Perfectionism: If you're a perfectionist, you're more likely to feel like you're not doing enough, no matter how hard you work. Even if you're performing well, the smallest error might make you feel completely defeated.
• High Expectations: Working in a high-pressure job or having high personal expectations might exacerbate imposter syndrome. When you are surrounded by outstanding coworkers or are continuously aiming to be the best, it is easy to feel that you don't measure up.
• Cultural and Social Pressures: Being a minority in the workplace might worsen impostor syndrome for certain people. Feeling like an outsider, whether because of gender, color, or another difference, can intensify feelings of inadequacy.

According to Huecker in The Imposter Phenomenon, imposter syndrome is more prevalent in high-energy workplaces where performance is constantly evaluated (think of sales, customer service, real estate, etc.) The study found that these environments can heighten self-doubt and anxiety, leading to lower job satisfaction and eventually, burnout.

The Impact of Having Imposter Syndrome in Your Career

Resolving one’s imposter syndrome might be easy for some, but for others, it can be a job-ending dilemma. Having imposter syndrome can have serious consequences for your career. Here’s how it might be affecting you:

• Self-Doubt: Imposter syndrome can make you doubt your abilities because you’re afraid of failing or being exposed as a fraud. This leads to hesitation in taking on new challenges and opportunities, which can hinder your career growth and your growth as a person. 
• Burnout: To compensate for your perceived inadequacies, you might find yourself working longer hours, taking on more tasks, or constantly seeking validation. This will inevitably affect your job performance and lead to burnout.
• Self-Criticism: You are likely to downplay your achievements at work, regardless of how much of a positive impact it had. Not acknowledging your own skills and achievements means that you won’t have a clear idea of what you can improve in your career. 

Why You Truly Belong

Despite having these feelings of inadequacy, you truly belong in your role, even if you sometimes feel like an imposter. Don’t believe us? Then here are key aspects you can check out and see that you deserve to be where you are right now at your current workplace. 

Your Track Record Speaks Volumes

Remember how you got this job in the first place? It wasn’t by accident. During that job interview, the HR manager and CEO saw something in you that made you perfect for the role. You earned it through your skills, experience, and determination. If you weren’t capable, you wouldn’t have made it this far.

Everyone Has Doubts

You’re not alone in feeling this way. A 2023 article by Personnel Today highlighted that around 66% of Gen Zs experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. While millennials experience 56% and only 25% of people in their 60s feel imposter syndrome. It may be related to age—the older you get, the more confident you become at work. In any case, always remember that even those who seem confident and self-assured have their moments of doubt.

As we have said before, occasionally doubting your work skills is normal and affects everyone. Heck, you bet that your manager may have felt like they weren’t up to the task but look at them now. They were able to push through and trust their work experiences and skills. You can too!

Failure Is a Part of Growth

No one gets everything right all the time, and that’s okay. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow. The fact that you’re worried about doing a good job shows that you care deeply about your work. You recognize that you have more things to work, and you can reach greater heights. That’s something that should be valued, not feared.

You Bring Unique Strengths

Your perspective, background, and experiences contribute to your unique strengths. These are things that no one else can bring to the table, making you an essential part of your team. Don't be afraid to share your ideas and opinions, as they can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. We all live different lives, meaning we have different perspectives on solving a problem. So don’t be afraid to step up when you get a chance—who knows, you might have the answer already. 

How to Combat Imposter Syndrome at Work

While imposter syndrome can be persistent, there are ways to manage it and even turn it into a strength. Here’s how:

Acknowledge Your Feelings First

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognizing that it’s happening. It’s easy to dismiss these feelings or push them aside, but that only feeds the insecurity even further. Instead, take a moment to really acknowledge what you're experiencing. Understand that feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one—it’s a common psychological pattern that many people face. By bringing these feelings into the open, you begin to reduce their grip on you. 

Journaling can be a helpful tool here; like writing down when you feel these doubts creeping in and what might be triggering them. This can help you identify patterns and start addressing the root causes.

Look for New Perspectives

Once you’ve acknowledged your feelings, the next challenge is reframing them. Our brains are wired to focus on the negative, often blowing small mistakes out of proportion while minimizing our successes. When you find yourself overthinking, “I’m not good enough,” try to counter that with evidence of your accomplishments. This isn’t about being overly positive but about being realistic. 

For instance, if you delivered a successful presentation, remind yourself of the preparation and skill that went into it. By regularly practicing this mental shift, you start retraining your brain to see the full picture, which includes both your challenges and your victories.

Talk about Your Impostor Syndrome with Someone

Imposter syndrome thrives in isolation. The more you keep these feelings to yourself, the stronger they can become. Opening up to someone you trust—whether it’s a colleague, friend, or mentor—can provide a fresh perspective. Often, you’ll find that others have gone through similar experiences and can offer valuable insights or simply lend an ear. 

Talking about your feelings can also help you realize that you’re not alone and that these doubts don’t reflect reality. In fact, many people who seem confident on the outside may also struggle with imposter syndrome. By sharing your experiences, you can build a support network that helps you navigate these challenges together.

Upskill and Get More Experience at Work or in Your Career

Sometimes, imposter syndrome stems from feeling like you lack the knowledge or skills that others have. You can build your confidence by investing time in upskilling, getting into training sessions about soft skills, taking relevant courses, or seeking new experiences. Continuous learning improves your competence and helps you feel more secure in your abilities, reducing those nagging feelings of self-doubt.

Set Realistic Expectations and Start Small

Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations are often at the heart of imposter syndrome. When you set the bar impossibly high, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment and self-criticism. Instead, focus on setting achievable goals that stretch your abilities without overwhelming you. Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. 

Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes—what matters is how you learn from them and move forward. By setting realistic expectations, you create a healthier work environment for yourself, where you can grow and succeed without the constant pressure of trying to be perfect.

Celebrate Your Successes at Work

It’s easy to move from one task to the next without stopping to acknowledge what you’ve achieved. This can make you feel like you’re not progressing, fueling imposter syndrome. Make it a habit to pause and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. 

Did you meet a tight deadline? Land a new client? Receive positive feedback? These are all wins that deserve recognition. Celebrating doesn’t have to be extravagant—it can be as simple as treating yourself to something you enjoy or taking a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come. Regularly celebrating your achievements reinforces your sense of accomplishment and reminds you of your value.

Seek Professional Help If Needed

If imposter syndrome significantly affects your work or mental health, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide strategies to help you manage these feelings and improve your overall well-being.

Conclusion: You Belong Here, Trust us

Imposter syndrome at work is a common yet challenging experience. However, it’s important to remember that these feelings don’t define your worth or your abilities. You’ve earned your place in your role, and you bring value that’s unique to you. It’s completely valid to feel and admit that you currently have imposter syndrome. From this realization, you can begin to build confidence, embrace your successes, and fully thrive in your career. You truly do belong, and it’s time you start believing in yourself. 

Enhance Your Skills and Confidence with Intellezy

Imposter syndrome can hold you back, but with the right tools and training, you can overcome those doubts and shine in your role. Intellezy offers a wide range of online courses designed to help you upskill and gain the confidence you need at work. Whether you're looking to master new software, develop leadership skills, or enhance your productivity, Intellezy has got you covered. Request a free trial today to explore our courses and build the knowledge and expertise to help you thrive in your career.