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.