Imposter Syndrome
Dear Respectable Rex,
I’m currently up for a promotion for Senior Underwriter. I could do the job! But part of me thinks — I can’t. That I should wait. That I’m not ready.
No matter how hard I try to “fake it till I make it,” my Imposter Syndrome won’t stop.
Positive affirmations and daily journal entries are no match against the hole in my soul.
What is the answer?
Signed,
Feeling Regret And Unending Dread
Dear FRAUD,
Artifice and subterfuge and guile? Tools of my profession!
Although “showmanship” is the term I’d much prefer.
Imposter Syndrome is a stone’s throw away from most of my hopes and dreams.
I do understand, however, that deception and roleplay are unlikely candidates for the Senior Underwriter job description.
My answer to your question may not be to your liking.
The mistake you make is trying to get Imposter Syndrome to go away.
I believe, at least in some way, that you can’t.
A hole in the soul might be trouble.
Instead of making this feeling go away?
Learn how better to carry it.
Realize that Imposter Syndrome might be a weight you will have to carry.
Carry it well!
In time it might start to feel a little lighter.
I hope you get the job. Believe in yourself when you can, but hold your doubt strong and steady those days you can’t.
Counterpoint commentary by …
Crushed Velvet (assistant to Nigel Knives)
I am the eighth woman to play the role of Crushed Velvet.
That makes me literally an imposter.
Nigel Knives has had seven previous Crushed Velvets in his many years as a performer.
I sit at the bottom rung of the circus ladder. People here are nice, but I doubt they respect my talents.
My talents are:
I fit in the Crushed Velvet costume.
I don’t flinch as knives thump around me.
Job security? Not looking strong. I heard that Darren the Knife in the O’Key Circus throws at a hologram of Marilyn Monroe!
My role could be outsourced to blinking pixels. Then where am I?
Hey, if you can improve your career path? And you’re actually capable? Go ahead!
Opportunities are rare. I lucked into this job. Now I’m trying to someday be a star. Or at least a bankable act.
If you’re a bankable act? Claim your place in the show and don’t settle for some cameo role.
