Thanks for writing this up, Jessica, I feel like this came perfect timing for me! I recently made a career pivot into tech sales, and these first few months I haven't been performing as well as I thought I would be. This weekend has been filled with a lot of those imposter syndrome thoughts that you mention here. Going to try to ground myself in the bridge between identities and continue moving forward.
Hi Dido! Thank you so much for reading. That’s courageous you took the leap of faith to change careers! You’re going to be even more valuable now and have more knowledge across different domains! Stand steady on the bridge and embrace the transition!
Well done as always and straight to it: imposter syndrome isn’t inadequacy; it’s the old self screaming as the new one grows. That destabilizing tug? It’s proof you’re expanding, not failing. Maturity hits when you stop needing every whisper of validation and just trust the stretch. Sit dockside, feel the Wando pull, know the throne doesn’t shrink just because the view got wider. Growth isn’t comfortable. It’s sovereign. Stay grounded while you rise.
I’ve lived this. I got promoted into management at 24. Youngest in the room, no degree, people twice my age, one guy openly resented reporting to me. I carried that “I don’t belong here” weight for years.
It didn’t make me quit. It made me overcompensate.
Early, late, sick days ignored, vacations skipped. Not the healthiest path, but it forged a work ethic that still drives me.
Wow, JP! Sounds like you were an astute professional at such a young age! That speaks volumes about you if you were promoted to management. I’m sure people hated on you and were jealous. That’s why they weren’t in management and reported to you!!
Imposter syndrome is real, even when you are very experienced. Glad you explored this one in depth, Jessica. It means growth, a transition and a changing identity. So… I guess if you feel this it’s positive.
I loves this perspective, Jessica!
This is detailed post. Imposter syndrome is crucial chapter of life
Thank you, Ankit! I hope it was useful for you! 🤝
I like how you explained this. There are times when I feel this. This was a helpful way to look at imposter syndrome.
I’m glad you found it helpful for those times when you feel like that, Denise! thank you for reading! 🙌
Thanks for writing this up, Jessica, I feel like this came perfect timing for me! I recently made a career pivot into tech sales, and these first few months I haven't been performing as well as I thought I would be. This weekend has been filled with a lot of those imposter syndrome thoughts that you mention here. Going to try to ground myself in the bridge between identities and continue moving forward.
Hi Dido! Thank you so much for reading. That’s courageous you took the leap of faith to change careers! You’re going to be even more valuable now and have more knowledge across different domains! Stand steady on the bridge and embrace the transition!
Well done as always and straight to it: imposter syndrome isn’t inadequacy; it’s the old self screaming as the new one grows. That destabilizing tug? It’s proof you’re expanding, not failing. Maturity hits when you stop needing every whisper of validation and just trust the stretch. Sit dockside, feel the Wando pull, know the throne doesn’t shrink just because the view got wider. Growth isn’t comfortable. It’s sovereign. Stay grounded while you rise.
Wildfire 🔥
Thank you, Wildfire! I love that! “The throne didn’t shrink because the view got wider.” LFG!!
This one felt uncomfortably familiar, Jessica.
I’ve lived this. I got promoted into management at 24. Youngest in the room, no degree, people twice my age, one guy openly resented reporting to me. I carried that “I don’t belong here” weight for years.
It didn’t make me quit. It made me overcompensate.
Early, late, sick days ignored, vacations skipped. Not the healthiest path, but it forged a work ethic that still drives me.
Reading your take reframes it.
Maybe that wasn’t inadequacy.
Maybe it was expansion before identity caught up.
Wow, JP! Sounds like you were an astute professional at such a young age! That speaks volumes about you if you were promoted to management. I’m sure people hated on you and were jealous. That’s why they weren’t in management and reported to you!!
Jessica, I appreciate that. It didn’t feel impressive at the time, it felt like a lot of pressure. I was just trying to keep up and not screw it up :)
Great Article, Jessica! I like how you reframe it. The next time ot creeps up on me, I'll remember that I am expanding and growing as a person.
Thank you so much, Eladio! I’m so glad this piece resonated with you! 🙌🏼🤝🫶🏼
Such a great post Jess. And a really timely reminder to myself to be kinder about my knowledge, standing, and general outlook on life. 🙏
Thank you so much, Dr. Sam! I’m glad it was a nice reminder for you.
Another masterpiece ✨️ 👏🏻
Thank you🙌🏼🫶🏼
This is a wonderful piece. 🫶👌🤝 Deeply truthful.
Appreciate that, Noni! Thank you for reading. 🤝
You're welcome 😊
If imposter syndrome has been present lately, it doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means your identity is updating.
This essay is meant to normalize that process and point toward skills that help growth integrate over time, not overnight.
Great post Jessica! I feel like this is a huge topic on Substack and so many people can benefit from your insights here!
Imposter syndrome is real, even when you are very experienced. Glad you explored this one in depth, Jessica. It means growth, a transition and a changing identity. So… I guess if you feel this it’s positive.
And I love Charlotte de Witte’s music!
No way! That’s awesome, Wilbert! I’m actually not that surprised. You’re cool and she’s pretty awesome too!!