In Medias Res

I appreciate people who open up about difficult emotions they’ve experienced in the past. But I appreciate even more people who are willing to discuss them as they are feeling them in the present.

In that spirit, I must confess that this week I’ve experienced considerable Imposter Syndrome. Starting a new job can be overwhelming; doing so when you’re expected to be in charge, even more so, as I’m learning (this is my first time in the latter situation). There’s so much new information to absorb, new people to meet, new customers to understand, and a new culture to internalize. Literally everyone else I talk to knows more than me, and while there’s certainly a grace period, at some point I’ll be expected to earn my salary and contribute, and it’s hard to see when that will be.

Let this serve as a reminder to us all that feelings of inadequacy are normal, especially at times of transition like a new job or getting laid off (which, if that’s you right now, I’m so sorry). I’m telling myself that I’ve been here before, and it’ll be okay. Though I’ll be happy when onboarding is behind me, for sure.