Is imposter syndrome holding me back?

13 Comments

1. Jeda HiggsDecember 4,2025 at 6:36AM UTC

   Do you like working with people? Are you understanding but firm? Do you hold your work to high standards? Do you have confidence in the work you produce? Do you feel comfortable calling out uncomfortable situations? Do you have patience and want to have leadership of a team, no matter how they learn? Are you interested in the personal and professional growth of your employees? If yes to all, you’re good! Trust yourself. You know what to do.

2. Barb HansenDecember 4,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

   You can absolutely learn how to be a manager, it’s a learned skill, not an innate talent. None of us wake up one day magically knowing how to lead people.

   Good managers are made through education, experience, and mentorship, either by working under strong leaders who model what good management looks like, or by intentionally learning through training and reflection.

   You can start preparing before stepping into the role by listening to podcasts, reading books, or watching YouTube videos on real-world management skills. Look for advice from experienced managers and people leaders (not influencers) who talk honestly about communication, feedback, and team dynamics.

   If you can learn, you can lead. There’s no reason to let imposter syndrome hold you back from taking this next step. You’re ready, give yourself permission to grow into it.

3. Christina WeberDecember 5,2025 at 5:10PM UTC

   The voice of your inner critic gets louder when growth/change is on the horizon!

   A few things to consider:

   1. Not knowing everything isn’t a flaw—it’s the job.

   Managers aren’t promoted because they already know how to do every future task; they’re promoted because they’ve shown they can learn, adapt, and figure things out. If you wait until you feel 100% ready, you’ll be waiting until retirement.

   2. Your current situation is telling you something.

   You’re bored, micromanaged, and unstretched. That combination doesn’t produce confidence—it produces stagnation. No one grows by staying in a role that underestimates them.

   3. Fear of failure = sign of expansion.

   If the opportunity didn’t matter, you wouldn’t feel this way. You’re not afraid because you’re incapable—you’re afraid because this actually aligns with what you want.

   4. Confidence isn’t a prerequisite. It’s a result.

   You build confidence by taking the role, doing the work, asking questions, and allowing yourself to be a beginner at something new. Every manager on the planet started that way.

   5. Consider the cost of staying where you are.

   Fast-forward six months. If nothing changes, will you feel proud of staying safe? Or frustrated that fear made the decision for you?

4. WandaDecember 8,2025 at 2:32PM UTC

   Amen to everything you said!!!!!

5. Dr. Patty GrossDecember 7,2025 at 2:51PM UTC

   Read everything that Christina Weber wrote and take it to heart, because she speaks with a voice that exudes experience. I have been there as well, and everything she says is true for me as well. The most positive thing about your post is that your company sees something in you that you may be overlooking, having been micromanaged for so long. Even if you fail, at least you have the experience of stepping outside your comfort zone, and that will help guide you in the future. You've got this!!!

6. UrszulaDecember 7,2025 at 6:03PM UTC

   It really does sound like imposter syndrome might be holding you back — those “what if I can’t do it?” thoughts are incredibly common when someone steps into a bigger role. But remember: you have 13 years of solid experience in accounting and analysis. That’s not luck — that’s capability. A manager role isn’t about knowing everything on day one; it’s about growing into it, learning as you go, and using the expertise you already have.

   When you’re dealing with stress or self-doubt, even small moments of routine or self-care can help you re-center. Sometimes taking a short break, clearing your mind, or doing something grounding — even something simple, like a small hair-care ritual or trying new products from https://wierzbicki-schmidt.pl/ — can help you reconnect with your confidence.

   You’re more prepared than you think. The fear means you’re stepping into something meaningful, not that you’re unqualified.

7. AnonymousDecember 7,2025 at 6:39PM UTC

   If you've been honest on the resume and LI profile, and honest in interview answers (not bloating your experience/skills), and they want you - they know what they're getting.

   When you get the offer, you can ask what onboarding looks like, see if they offer tuition reimbursement, etc.

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistDecember 8,2025 at 1:39AM UTC

   When you say "fail" - what do you mean. specifically?

   No one starts as a fully formed manager - everyone has to start somewhere. I understand that being micromanaged can seriously damage one's confidence.

   I always try to think what's the best and worst that can happen - best, you get your new job, you're no longer being micromanaged, because you have been so poorly managed, you know what not to do and become a GREAT manager. Worst case scenario - you don't do great in the job and find another that's a better fit, upside is you're no longer being micromanaged and even though you feel like you failed, you're STILL WAY HAPPIER.

   I'd suggest you consider seeing a therapist - because this isn't about this one particular job.

9. AnonymousDecember 8,2025 at 5:06PM UTC

   This is good advice. Thank you.

10. AnonymousDecember 9,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I also really like Christina W's response. Im going to oversimplify my response with these 2 reminders:

    1. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

    2. A wise person never FAILS, you either win or you learn.

    Go for it and best of luck!

11. Diane HejnickiDecember 11,2025 at 3:55PM UTC

    What if you succeed? Shift the focus off what you haven't done, and compare your "life management" skills to what you will use in your professional career.

    I worked in accounting/finance in private companies, and found myself at a top-tier bank, doing risk management and program management, just applying my intrinsic skills at work.

    You can do it!

12. AnonymousDecember 12,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

    I agree with several of the comments. Take a chance. Someone thinks you have the right skillset for this new role, now you need to think so as well. I would suggest finding a mentor, someone who can help you adapt to the new role, someone you can go to for advice, etc. Find out about the onboarding, listen to some podcasts and training on management and leadership, and seize the moment. You have seen bad management, be the manager / leader that you always wanted.

13. AnonymousDecember 12,2025 at 9:05PM UTC

    Is the former employee available for training or is this a sink or swim situation?