New Roles Have My Challenge Calling.

Anonymous

March 17,2023 at 10:20PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

New Roles Have My Challenge Calling.

I've had 4 decades doing accounting or consulting work. I landed a dream (somewhat entry) accounting role with a unique company in a more unique industry representing the elite athletes.

Before, my role was usually the leader of change and efficiency of whatever organization to take the reigns. I felt I had seen enough to be comfortable in any parallel roles. Not in my new job.

It's a unique mix of all the aspects I of an industry I don't know combined with a grand opportunity to be nurtured and grow professionally.

I want this so much for myself, the people I'm surrounded by are the most polished and positive people I've ever met. I am sincerely told of my value often and how much they believe is possible in me. Problem is, I keep feeling as if I am failing and losing faith in being up to par. What I act upon and my outcome sometimes are so unlike what I expected, not in a good way. I feel a little bit like this is too much yet see firsthand where persistence makes incredible feats. I'm conflicted. Fearing failure overwhelming me and of course, a strong dose of imposter syndrome. Many times I think I should step out of the way and let a "real" professional do this, or just go for the ride to everything that I can give and let what happens, happen. I won't be worse for the experience at least!

Have you ever been in a similar situation and how was the outcome? If you made it work, how did you find your traction? If if didn't, what would you do over?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

4 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

4 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousMarch 17,2023 at 10:52PM UTC
As I stated in another suggestion is to focus on being transparent and authentic.
People respect those qualities because they are admired in todays world because they are rare. A a creative employee might be more sought after then a hard worker. I have worked many years and I have found that the employee that’s a bright light on the team is a very valued employee. The team needs to consist of many folks different attributes. A member that can bring joy and team cohesiveness will be desired a member. Someone that is creative and innovative will be desired.. it is not uncommon for a business to give emergenetics testing to their employees so that they can identify their strengths.
Melinda ThompsonMarch 18,2023 at 1:14PM UTC
When you are given an assignment that’s outside your comfort zone, start by identifying which tasks you know how to do and which are new to you. Then make a plan how you can learn what you don’t know: asking coworkers, outside research, and so forth. Set a timeline for learning that enables you to make your deadline (or get the work done in a timely manner) to help you avoid going down a research rabbit hole.
I agree with the other commenter who suggested being transparent. If there’s a sizeable gap between what you know and what you need to know, tell your boss (starting with what you know) and describing how you plan to get the info or learn the skill.
It sounds as though others aren’t as concerned about your gaps as you are and that perhaps this job is in a unique niche of your field. It may be that everyone who starts off in your role has a learning curve. You might be harboring unrealistic expectations about how quickly you can get up to speed. To find out, you could ask trusted coworkers how long it took them to learn the business and ask them for advice.
If you’re worried about your work or whether your plans will lead to success, you could share with a more experienced colleague before implementing them. Ask that colleague to critique. If possible, ask a more experienced colleague to mentor you.
You’ve done a brave thing by stretching yourself in this new role. Please believe that you will sort it out and remember that everyone makes mistakes while learning. When those mistakes happen, please cut yourself some slack and focus on what you’ve learned. Most people feel like imposters when growing and learning on the job, and that feeling will eventually go away. Try to see yourself as those who believe in you and have chosen you for this role see you. They know you can do it, and they’re right.
Melinda ThompsonMarch 18,2023 at 1:32PM UTC
I forgot to mention: I’m nearing the end of a career in which I’ve specialized in working at startups, often ones focused on innovation, and each time there’s a learning curve. I’ve noticed a pattern: excitement and high hopes; anxiety and imposter syndrome; learning from a mix of failures, successes, and plenty of overtime; identifying strengths and the assignments that challenge in the best ways; success. Rinse and repeat.
I have loved startups and gotten bored at jobs without much variety. You might find you like the constant learning! (I need to replace my photo, I’m older now, ha!)
AnonymousMarch 20,2023 at 3:21PM UTC
It's like you ghost wrote this for me! I will look forward to the comments!