Imposter Syndrome: Career Growth is Rarely a Linear Journey

 

Career growth is rarely a straightforward climb. It’s often filled with detours, setbacks, and moments of doubt. The path to success is anything but linear, and I’ve learned this first-hand. From being told that my qualifications were irrelevant to eventually landing my desired job, every twist and turn in my career journey has shaped the person I am today.

Unsurprisingly, research suggests the average person changes careers 5–7 times throughout their lifetime. Career growth isn't just about climbing a ladder; it’s about adapting to change, learning new skills, and embracing transitions with resilience.

Looking back, my career trajectory has been full of bumps and breakthroughs. One fundamental chapter was my internship, which led to my first permanent role as an Admin Clerk. While it wasn’t my ideal job, I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. I dedicated myself to mastering new skills and building relationships with my colleagues. Within months, I received a promotion to Personal Assistant.

This experience was one of many that taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and resilience. I embraced every role as a chance to build skills, even if it didn’t align perfectly with my end goals. The more I invested in myself, the more opportunities opened up.

There was a moment when I had to confront a defining question: should I stay in a stable, comfortable role, or should I take a risk and pursue my passion? I chose the latter, and I’ve never looked back.

That decision wasn’t easy. It was riddled with self-doubt and fear of failure, feelings that many people experience when faced with a career change. I struggled with imposter syndrome during this time, questioning if I was worthy of success in a new field. But I chose to lean into those fears, push beyond my comfort zone, and focus on my strengths. It wasn’t about being fearless it was about taking the risk and trusting that I could learn and grow along the way.

As I continued my journey, I realized the value of stepping beyond my comfort zone, confronting my doubts, and seeking out opportunities that challenged me. Despite the discomfort, I recognized it as a sign of growth. The journey wasn’t about perfection but progress, learning from failures, and continually pushing myself to evolve.

My next step was to pursue a postgraduate degree to stay competitive and open new doors. Although life didn’t go according to plans with my initial degree, I adapted and found a program that aligned with my career goals. It was a tough challenge, but it proved to be one of the best decisions of my life, giving me new insights, skills, and opportunities to advance in my career.

The road to becoming an Analyst, a role that allowed me to break into the energy sector field, was filled with challenges. I faced self-doubt, skepticism, and the pressure to prove myself. However, I refused to let those barriers hold me back. I pushed forward, focusing on building my skills, learning from others, and seeking mentors to guide me along the way.

Looking back, I realize that becoming an Analyst was not the final destination; it was simply a stepping stone on the path to my ultimate goal. I understood that career growth is not always linear, and the journey is shaped by overcoming obstacles, learning from failure, and celebrating wins along the road.

I will continue to share more on this journey in future posts, including how I acquired a BSc Honours in Energy Studies and finally secured a middle management role. But if you find yourself facing a moment of doubt or considering a career shift, I encourage you to trust in your abilities. The path may not always be linear, but with resilience and a willingness to grow, you can create opportunities for success.

The Unexpected Journey

 

As I sat in the waiting room, nervously fiddling with my resume, I couldn’t help but reflect on the path that had brought me here. Growing up, I admired the professionalism and grace of receptionists, the way they maintained calm in the face of disruption, effortlessly managing unpredictable situations. It seemed like a perfect role for me, and that vision guided my educational choices, ultimately leading to a Diploma in Office Management and Technology. But life has a way of rewriting even the best-laid plans.

While starting my B-Tech program in Office Management and Technology, I received an unexpected call for an internship interview. My excitement was quickly replaced by nerves, but I resolved to give it my best shot. On the day of the interview, as I sat waiting nervously, a familiar face from University approached and struck up a conversation. I admitted that I didn’t know much about the organization and that’s when he handed me a document. “You’ll need to know this for the interview,” he said. I glanced down at the cover: The Petroleum Products Act. My heart started racing. I hadn’t studied this before, hadn’t even heard of it.  Yet, there I was, scanning through the pages, trying to absorb as much as I could before being called in. At that moment, I felt completely unprepared. But there was no turning back. I took a deep breath, straightened my posture, and walked into the interview room determined to do my best.

The interview room was as intimidating as I’d imagined. After a few introductory questions, they asked about the petroleum industry. Despite my limited preparation, I took another deep breath and began to speak. I said, “the Liquid Fuels Charter aims to empower historically disadvantaged South Africans in the petroleum and liquid fuels industry. It sets a target of 25% ownership, control, and sustainable presence of HDIs across the industry value chain.” I paused, gathering my thoughts. “The Charter also emphasizes procurement, employment equity, capacity building, and fostering an inclusive culture. It’s a comprehensive approach to transformation.” Silence filled the room. I held my breath, unsure if I had made an impression. Then, one of the panel members smiled and, with a twinkle in his eye, said, “Mmmh, our jobs are at stake here.” Laughter followed, breaking the tension. Relief washed over me, I had done it. I had not only survived the interview but also earned their respect.

Looking back, I realize that those frantic moments spent studying the Petroleum Products Act were crucial. It was a test of resilience, adaptability, and quick thinking. Sure, I may not have fully understood all the distinctions of the Act, but I had demonstrated something equally important: my willingness to take risks, learn quickly, and stay composed under pressure. That experience taught me that life doesn’t always prepare you for what’s ahead. Sometimes, you have to leap before you feel ready.

That internship marked the beginning of an unexpected journey. My childhood dreams of becoming a receptionist transformed into something far bigger, an aspiration to thrive in the energy sector. Over time, I found myself fascinated by the industry and how it aligned with my skills and growing interests. The road wasn’t always smooth. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed and considered giving up. But each setback pushed me to grow. I discovered that resilience isn’t about never falling, it’s about rising every time you do.

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the many lessons along the way. Here are a few that stand out:

Be adaptable: Life will throw you curveballs. Being willing to learn and adapt is crucial.

Step out of your comfort zone: True growth happens just beyond the edge of comfort. Don’t be afraid to take risks.

Follow your passion: When you find something you’re passionate about, it fuels your drive and keeps you going.

Ask for help: You don’t have to do it alone. Seeking guidance when you’re out of your depth is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Every journey starts with a single step, and often, that step leads us in directions we never anticipated. My journey began with the dream of becoming a receptionist, but it took an unexpected turn that changed my life. Looking ahead, I’m excited to see where this path continues to lead. For now, I’m embracing the unknown, ready for whatever comes next.

 

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Welcome to a Journey of Elevation and Empowerment

Life is full of twists and turns, some expected others completely surprising. Along the way, we all encounter moments that challenge us to grow, adapt, and evolve. This blog is dedicated to those moments, offering a space where personal growth and career resilience come together to help you create the life you truly desire.

No one’s path is perfectly smooth, and that’s okay. The beauty of life lies in its ups and downs, in the lessons we learn as we navigate through uncertainty, and in the strength, we build by overcoming obstacles. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, trying to cultivate better habits, or looking for practical tools to take charge of your finances, you’ll find something here to inspire and guide you.

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Navigating a career isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re transitioning into a new role, facing workplace challenges, or striving for a promotion, this blog offers tips, strategies, and real-world insights on staying resilient, confident, and ready for the next opportunity.

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Growth can be hard, and sometimes you need a reminder that you’re not alone. Through inspiring stories, motivational quotes, and thoughtful reflections, this blog is here to remind you that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress worth celebrating.

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We are all striving to be better, whether it is as professionals, parents, friends, or individuals. But the truth is, personal growth isn’t always easy, it takes time, effort, and a lot of patience. This blog was created to be your companion in that process, offering encouragement and practical guidance without judgment.

Here, it’s okay to take things one day at a time. It’s okay to feel stuck sometimes. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself, learning from each experience, and moving forward at your own pace.

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Let’s walk this path together, one step at a time. Here's to becoming stronger, wiser, and more resilient every day.

With gratitude

Zanel Inno