#JobStruggles #FeelingIncompetent #ConsultingLife #CareerAdvice
Hey everyone!
I’ve been thinking about something that’s been weighing on me a lot lately, and I could really use some perspective from you all. So, I’m wrapping up my first year at my consulting job, and to be honest, I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed. 😩
Here’s what’s been going on:
- Feeling Incompetent: I feel like I’m constantly messing up. Whether it’s sharing information or answering client questions, I just can’t shake this feeling of being dumb.
- Desire to Escape: Some days, I think it might be easier to just be moved into a simpler role—like something where I don’t have to think too much. Just do the tasks without the pressure of being “smart.”
- Comparison Game: It seems like everyone around me has it all figured out, and I’m left feeling like the odd one out. I really believe my colleagues think I know what I’m doing, but honestly, I feel lost.
- Loop of Negativity: I’m stuck in this cycle of feeling like a failure, and it’s exhausting. I’m finally taking my first real leave next week for five days, hoping some time away will help.
- Wondering About the Future: Will this feeling ever go away? Is there a light at the end of this tunnel, or am I destined to feel like this forever?
So here’s where I’d love your input: How do you guys cope with feeling out of your depth at work? Have you ever felt like this, and how did you handle it? Maybe some tips from your experiences would really help!
Thanks for listening, everyone! I’m excited to hear your thoughts and solutions!
🌟
This happened to me 1 year ago. Dont give up. Just hang on it .you will be better. You will used to it time by time
Good, you’re are moving on the Dunning Kruger scale. It is better to accept that you don’t know a lot than think you know everything.
You sound like an early victim of imposter syndrome. If your colleagues are supporting you then it sounds like you are self sabotaging. Nobody ever learned everything there is to know in 1 year. If you truly feel like you are lost then it’s not a bad idea to approach a trusted colleague or manager for some extra help or training material.
Give yourself a break. Enjoy your time off, don’t think about work, recharge and go back with a positive mindset.
Don’t give up, just keep going, you can do this
Imposter syndrome hits almost everyone in IT. I say “almost” because there are some people who think they have it all figured out, and they are full of shit.
I posted this before so I hope it helps you out…..
You are still new in the field. I remember what it was like when I was just 1 year in. I didn’t know shit, and I was on call for the company during a time when we needed to be up and running 24/7 during a critical time. When I was paged, I had to figure out a rather difficult problem on my own since my boss was out of town. Took me a few hours but I did it.
Here is my advice to you.
You are not expected to know everything now. You will never be expected to know everything a year, 5 years, or even 20 years from now. You just need to have resilience and the ability to FITFO (figure it the fuck out). These qualities are uncommon in IT. If you have the ability to do both of these things, you will do just fine.
Take a deep breath and relax. Yes, you are dealing with imposter syndrome. Everyone deals with this. Get comfortable with this feeling because no matter where you go or what you do in IT, you are going to be dealing with this. I just took on a new job and after 32 years. I didn’t know everything either. I was still able to pick this new job up and run with it. You are doing the right thing by seeking help, but you should embrace the fact you don’t know everything and you will figure things out as you go. This is very important to figure out now. After all, you are going to be given promotion opportunities. If you let imposter syndrome stand in your way, you will be toiling in entry to mid level jobs for your entire career.
Lastly, know that you will be fine. Yes, its going to be hard. Yes, you are going to be challenged. Yes, you will persevere. That is all.
Maybe you know so much about what you do specifically that you are bored and need to be challenged? Something a little outside your wheelhouse could be a welcome adventure. It satisfies an itch to learn and immerse in the topic and can be the role of helping others on your team. Or instead of consulting switch to project management?