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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Career Development Coaching

You're navigating a mid-career change and facing imposter syndrome. How can you overcome it?

Switching careers mid-way can be daunting, and imposter syndrome often creeps in. To overcome it, focus on building confidence and leveraging your existing skills. Here's how:

  • Acknowledge your achievements: Regularly remind yourself of your past successes and how they translate to your new role.

  • Seek mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate this transition.

  • Continuous learning: Engage in professional development to strengthen your skills and boost your confidence.

What strategies have worked for you in overcoming imposter syndrome during a career change? Share your thoughts.

Career Development Coaching Career Development Coaching

Career Development Coaching

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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Career Development Coaching

You're navigating a mid-career change and facing imposter syndrome. How can you overcome it?

Switching careers mid-way can be daunting, and imposter syndrome often creeps in. To overcome it, focus on building confidence and leveraging your existing skills. Here's how:

  • Acknowledge your achievements: Regularly remind yourself of your past successes and how they translate to your new role.

  • Seek mentorship: Find mentors who can provide guidance and reassurance as you navigate this transition.

  • Continuous learning: Engage in professional development to strengthen your skills and boost your confidence.

What strategies have worked for you in overcoming imposter syndrome during a career change? Share your thoughts.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
36 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    A McDougall
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    First, review your past accomplishments. Accept who you are and what you have achieved. Second, visualize what you want to be or where you want to be. See your own success. Third, know that change will lead to uncertainty. This is normal and treat is a source of wnergy to fuel your way to sucess. Finally, life is about growth and improvement. Yesterday you were not enough but you might just have the energy to be enough tomorrow...sometimes you just need to leap.

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  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dr Adv Ruchi Dixit

    Professor | Trained 90,000+ Professionals | Microsoft Office Specialist | Mentor & Career Coach | Advocate | Social Impact Leader & Entrepreneurship Trainer

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    To overcome imposter syndrome during a mid-career change, I focus on building confidence and leveraging existing skills. Celebrating small wins and recognizing transferable skills from previous roles helps reinforce my capabilities. Adopting a growth mindset allows me to view challenges as learning opportunities. Connecting with supportive communities and mentors provides valuable guidance and reassurance. Continuous learning through professional development also boosts my confidence. By practicing self-compassion and acknowledging that uncertainty is part of growth, I navigate this transition with greater ease.

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    8
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    Bilal Harry Khan

    Anti-Oppression Facilitator, Moderator & Conversation Holder

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    1) Recognise that there’s no “Business Case” being made for the people you’re assuming should occupy the role because of their connections or identity 2) Remind yourself that if the culture of that organisation is making you feel like an “imposter” the problem is not with you it’s with there 3) Be clear on what you will and won’t compromise on, if something is truly pushing your boundaries to the point you’re questioning your capability - that place or role is not a healthy environment

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    3
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    Contributor profile photo
    Dr. Chellam Narendiran

    Consultant Psychologist I Mental Health Advocate I POSH Consultant I ACA Professional Supervisor

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    Facing imposter syndrome during mid-career change is quite common as there are lot of uncertainties, self-doubts, and potential job opportunities in the market. Here are a few ways to overcome it: 1) Network with professionals to understand the competencies and bridge the gap. 2) Develop self-confidence by realizing your past achievements and how did you achieve it. 3) Seek professional support for having more clarity and understanding the market requirements. Equip yourself with the latest trends in your career areas and speak to people who helps to boost your confidence. Ultimately believe in yourself and you can do it.

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    2
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    Ines Olano
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    One thing I found helpful is to accept that I don’t have all the answers immediately, and that’s okay. When I catch myself thinking, “I don’t belong here”, I make an effort to reframe it as, “I’m learning and growing into this role”. I also recognize the imposter síndrome as something normal, even the most successful professionals experience self-doubt, be compassionate with myself also help me in time of anxiety!

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    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Raed ALABBADY

    #1 Engineering Project Management On LinkedIn Yemen by Favikon | Supply Chain and SAP Professional | PMP| PMI | LeanPM/LPMF | CHL Certified-CILT (UK) | Onboarded 600+ Hands-on Certifications

    • Report contribution

    Overcome imposter syndrome during a mid-career change by focusing on your achievements, leveraging transferable skills, seeking mentorship, setting realistic goals, and celebrating progress. Embrace the process as an opportunity to grow and adapt.

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    Daniel Sundar Raj

    Career Counselor | College Admission Consultant | Education Consultant | MBBS Abroad Specialist | | Medical Admission Specialist | Entrepreneur | Soft Skills Trainer |

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    Learn and Unlearn from your past mistakes Accept that it is a new role/industry, hence take every experience as a new experience, do not carry baggage’s of the past. Celebrate and share new achievements, however small it is. Maintain a learning attitude. Do not utter a word of criticism unless you thought about it through or discussed with a mentor or an experience person in the field.

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    2
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    Nicole Esguerra

    Marketing Executive at Your Virtual People

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    Mid-career shifts feel like jumping into the deep end — new pool, same swim. Imposter syndrome hits hardest when skills don’t look transferable, even though they totally are. The trick? Stop chasing perfection, start stacking wins. Small wins rewire the brain. No one’s actually expecting mastery on day one. People respect learners. Loud confidence isn’t required — quiet consistency is. Most folks are too busy with their own insecurities to notice yours. So fake the chill until the chill gets real.

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    2
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    Belinda Paris

    I GIVE ambitious executives CLARITY in their CAREER to land their DREAM role without MONTHS of applying | Resume Writer | Career Coach | Message me 'CLARITY' to find out how I can help YOU!!

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    Mid-career change triggering imposter syndrome? Remember, you didn’t get here by accident. Your skills are transferable, and growth always feels uncomfortable at first. Reframe the doubt as proof you’re levelling up. Connect with mentors, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the new space. You don’t need permission to belong—you already do. And talk to yourself like a friend. Would you tell them they’re not good enough? Didn’t think so. Keep going. You’ve got this.

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    2
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    Fernanda (Fay) Theiss

    HR Consultant | Professional Development & Enneagram Specialist | Straightforward HR & coaching for businesses and individuals

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    Imposter syndrome is common during a career change, but it’s important to recognise the value of your previous experiences. Focus on the transferable skills you’ve gained, seek mentorship for guidance, and embrace continuous learning to boost your confidence. Every step forward is progress!

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