“Impostor syndrome” in a new job – is it normal?

Anxiety is natural - changing jobs ranks high, 18th, on the list of 43 life events that cause the greatest stress (according to the Holmes and Rahe stress scale). However, while the ordinary stress that accompanies taking on new responsibilities and entering a new environment can be dealt with - over time - the psychological phenomenon called "imposter syndrome" can significantly complicate this process.

Impostor syndrome – what is it?

Roughly speaking: it's about a lack of belief in yourself and your achievements. For the eternal feeling that we got a high position or our dream job by accident , we don't deserve it, and in a moment everyone around us will realize that we are... well: "frauds". People who struggle with it are convinced that their promotion or position is the result of a combination of circumstances or luck, and not of talent, predispositions and work. Such people believe that those around them perceive them as more competent and intelligent than they actually are .

"Impostor syndrome" was first described in 1978 by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, and it became popular in the mid-1980s, when Imes published a book on the subject. Researchers originally described this syndrome as occurring among women in high positions. However, subsequent research shows that "imposter syndrome" can affect anyone regardless of gender, and may affect as many as 82% of people . The fear of being considered insufficiently competent dominates among top managers around the world. However, it is not a disease or disorder - it is not included in the regularly revised list published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Known "fraudsters".

Those who struggle with the feeling that they accidentally made their career or landed their dream job are in good company. A few years ago , Oscar winner Natalie Portman said during a speech at her alma mater - Harvard University: "I felt like I was here by mistake (...) [I felt] I'm not smart enough to be in this company and that "Every time I open my mouth, I have to prove that I'm not just an empty actress." Actress Emma Watson spoke in a similar tone, and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz confessed: "Very few people, regardless of previous experience, sit down on this stool with the belief that they are now properly prepared to serve as CEO. No one will admit it, but it is true."

How to deal with imposter syndrome?

Tom Hanks, screenwriter Chuck Lorre, writer Neil Gaiman, Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor and entrepreneur Sheryl Sandberg made similar confessions. All these people, like millions of others who feel like frauds, do everything to prevent anyone from discovering their - imaginary - secret. So, in order to deserve recognition and respect and compensate for their - imaginary - lack of predispositions and merits, they work even harder. It's a vicious circle. However, there are other methods to deal with imposter syndrome. How?

• Look at yourself carefully. Consider whether, despite your achievements and promotions, you feel like you are cheating on your co-workers and boss. Talk to a therapist or someone you trust. Put the whole situation into perspective. And know that you are not alone.
• Don't compare yourself to others. Do your part, but don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Take advantage of the fact that you are "new". This gives you a big advantage because you can ask, ask and ask. In addition, you have a completely new, fresh perspective.
• And - be understanding towards yourself, and at the same time trust the decisions of others: if you got this job, it means that someone thinks you are really good at what you do.

Bibliography:

1. Clance PR, Imes S., “The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention”, Psychotherapy Theory, Research and Practice, accessed December 28, 2021.
2. Molinsky A., “Each of us suffers from imposter syndrome. How to deal with it?”, web.archive.org, accessed December 28, 2021.
3. Raypole C., “You're Not a Fraud. Here's How to Recognize and Overcome Imposter Syndrome, April 16, 2021
4. Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al., “Prevalence, Predictors, and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome: a Systematic Review.” J Gen Intern Med. 2020
5. “Is imposter syndrome blocking your career? Find out how to deal with it”, Pracuj.pl, January 3, 2020.