Out of work? How can you escape the Imposter Syndrome?

 Are you in the in-between time between jobs?

I just facilitated a session for SHRN, the Senior Human Resources Network, on “Reinventing You: Defining Your Brand and Your Unique Value about”. We/they had an engaging and fruitful conversation!

This is how I think about this challenge: The in-between time can be a difficult space to be in, especially when our identity is connected to our work or our title, right? That can lead to lack of confidence in how we present ourselves. And it explains why some participants are dealing with Imposter Syndrome – because if my job was my identity, who am I really?

·        We can quickly get down on ourselves, and think that: “I’m not good enough”  because I don’t have external validation.

·        We compare ourselves to others who are employed and think: “They must know something I don’t know” or “They’ve clearly got it together”, and “I must be missing some important skills or qualifications”, which is probably not true.

·        There is a cultural stigma about being (currently) unemployed which can lead us to question our worth.

So, what’s a person to do?

1.     Identify or find other parts of yourself and your identity that you’re proud of.

2.     What other things could you be doing to boost your energy and self-worth, even if it’s unpaid? Change your goalpost, at least temporarily, to “what value can I add to the world” that’s not measured in $$? Where can I have professional impact: writing, giving a workshop, public speaking?

3.     Remember that it’s not either/or – you can continue looking for a job while also pursuing activities that build confidence and enhance your value.

4.     Stop comparing yourself 😊 I know, I do it all the time, and social media is the worst for this. I keep trying to focus on:  this is what I’m doing, this is what gives me joy. I don’t want to spend my energy being jealous of what other people are doing!

Here’s some of the feedback from my workshop for SHRN participants which boosted my energy 😊
·        Great attending your amazing session on Branding today!
·        One thing that resonated with me today was – framing it as “how I can be successful with my strengths” makes branding feel authentic and not a sales pitch!

If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome or having a hard time “reimagining yourself”, let’s talk – and help you “find the path by simply walking.”