Great article and great advice! I think I’ve gone through almost every iteration and type of imposter syndrome that you highlighted. Short story, my bachelors degree is in philosophy and religion, yet I’ve made a career in IT. Applying for jobs that “require” certifications that I don’t have or even working with those that do have them, often made me wonder what the hell I was doing in this field.

I can personally attest to all of the advice to overcome this syndrome, because I’ve used every single one in my 15 years in the career. I’ve definitely come across those worse than me at the job. I’ve also had to rely on my natural and nurtured intelligence. Remaining humble yet confident is a high-wire balancing act, but it can be done.

I highlighted this sentence because it was the most recent lesson I had to learn. My productivity and happiness at my last job took a nose dive about 5 years ago. Although I spent 10 years with the same company, I pretty much achieved all of my career goals 5 years in, at least all of the ones the company was willing to allow.

I’ve struggled with depression, extreme apathy, and listlessness in that time. I sought medication to make me “more productive”, instead I screwed up my brain chemistry, which in turn led to resentment. Not a great place. I finally learned that was being asked of me was simply impossible. I’ve recently quit that job, despite not having another lined up. Let me tell you, I’m happier broke and wondering how I’m gonna pay my bills than I have been in 5 years.