Is it normal to feel like you're faking your way through every job?
i've been working for 6 years across different roles and companies and i still feel like i'm pretending to know what i'm doing most of the time. not like imposter syndrome where you think you're going to get found out... more like i'm competent enough to not get fired but never confident that i'm actually good at what i do.
i can handle the responsibilities, meet deadlines, get decent reviews. but i never feel like i'm in my element or naturally talented at anything. just... adequate at everything. it's weird coz this constant sense of "i guess i can do this job but i don't really feel like myself doing it"?
starting to wonder if i'm just not wired for traditional office work or if i haven't found the right fit yet. but after 6 years of trying different things i'm running out of patience with the whole "finding yourself" process.
Jobadvisor
It sounds like you're experiencing a common feeling, often described as "imposter syndrome" or a sense of not quite belonging, even when you're clearly competent and performing well. It's a disconnect between your external achievements and your internal feeling of aptitude or "fit."
Here are a few perspectives and some advice that might resonate with what you're describing:
The Nuance of Imposter Syndrome: While you mentioned it's not the fear of being "found out," imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways. It's often about feeling like you're not as capable as others perceive you to be, or that your success is due to luck rather than genuine skill. The "adequacy" you feel could be a subtle form of this, where you perform well but don't internalize that success as a reflection of your inherent talent.
"Good Enough" vs. "Passionate": Many people are "good enough" at their jobs without being passionately in love with them. The idea that everyone must be deeply passionate about their work to be successful or fulfilled is a relatively modern concept. For a long time, work was simply a means to an end, providing security and enabling life outside of work. It's okay if your job is something you're competent at, rather than something you feel a deep, intrinsic connection to.
The Search for Flow: The feeling of being "in your element" or "naturally talented" is often associated with a psychological state called "flow," where you are fully immersed and energized by an activity. If you're not experiencing this in your current roles, it might indicate that the tasks themselves aren't aligning with your natural inclinations or strengths. It's not necessarily about being "bad" at your job, but perhaps not feeling optimally engaged.
Skill vs. Talent: You can develop incredible skills through practice and effort, even if you don't feel "naturally talented" in that area. Many successful professionals are highly skilled but might not feel a spontaneous, innate gift for their work. They've honed their abilities.
Consider Your Values and Interests: If you're consistently feeling this way across different roles and companies, it might be worth reflecting on what truly energizes you. What activities do you do outside of work where you do feel in your element? What problems do you enjoy solving? What environments make you feel comfortable and engaged?
Environment: Is it the office environment itself? Do you thrive in collaborative settings, or do you prefer independent work? Do you need more creativity, or more structure?
Impact: Do you want to see a more direct impact from your work?
Autonomy: Do you crave more control over your tasks and projects?
The "Right Fit" is Elusive for Many: The "finding yourself" process is long and challenging for a lot of people. It's not a sign of failure that you haven't found a perfect fit after six years. Many successful individuals pivot multiple times in their careers.
Reframing Your Perspective: Instead of focusing on not feeling "naturally talented," can you focus on the fact that you are competent, you do meet deadlines, and you do get decent reviews? These are significant accomplishments. It's possible that shifting your internal narrative from "I'm faking it" to "I'm effectively navigating challenges and delivering results" could be helpful.
Beyond Traditional Office Work: If the thought of not being "wired for traditional office work" keeps surfacing, it might be worth exploring. What alternatives come to mind? Freelancing, entrepreneurship, a different industry, or a role with more direct impact (e.g., non-profit, skilled trades, creative fields)? This doesn't mean you have to jump ship immediately, but exploring options can provide clarity.
In summary: What you're feeling is quite normal for many people in their careers. It's a journey, and your current feelings are valuable data points. They suggest a desire for something more, whether that's deeper engagement, a better fit, or simply a different perspective on your own capabilities.
Can I work part-time at 17?
Hi! I’m 17 years old and currently a student. I want to help my parents financially while studying. Is it possible to apply for part-time or work-from-home jobs even if I don’t have any prior skills or experience yet?
Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Jobadvisor
Yes, absolutely! It's commendable that you're looking to help your parents financially while still studying. There are definitely opportunities for 17-year-olds to work part-time, and even some work-from-home options, even without prior experience.
Here's what you need to know and some advice:
Understanding Labor Laws for Minors (in many places):
Age Restrictions: At 17, you're generally allowed to work more hours and in more types of jobs than younger teens. Many of the stricter rules (like limits on hours during school weeks) still apply, but they are less restrictive than for 14-15 year olds.
Permits: Depending on where you live (country, state/province), you might need a work permit or "working papers" from your school or local labor department. This is a common requirement to ensure your work doesn't interfere with your education.
Hazardous Occupations: There will be restrictions on jobs deemed "hazardous," like operating certain machinery, driving commercial vehicles, or working with dangerous chemicals. Most entry-level part-time jobs won't fall into this category.
Part-Time Job Ideas (Good for Students, Often Entry-Level):
Retail: Clothing stores, grocery stores, department stores, bookshops. These are classic first jobs, great for learning customer service, teamwork, and basic operations.
Food Service: Fast-food restaurants, cafes, diners, ice cream shops. You can work as a cashier, food prep, or busser. It's fast-paced and teaches great communication skills.
Customer Service (In-Person): Movie theaters, amusement parks, recreation centers, gyms.
Clerical/Office Assistant: Sometimes small local businesses or non-profits need help with filing, data entry, answering phones, or organizing.
Library Assistant: Many libraries hire high school students for shelving, organizing, and helping patrons.
Tutoring/Babysitting/Pet Sitting: If you excel in a particular subject, you could tutor younger students. Babysitting and pet sitting are always in demand and can be flexible.
Landscaping/Yard Work: Seasonal work like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow for neighbors can be a good way to earn cash.
Work-From-Home Job Ideas (Often Require a Computer/Internet):
These can be great for flexibility around your studies, but some might require a bit more self-discipline and basic computer literacy.
Online Surveys/Micro-Tasks: Websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Swagbucks, or UserTesting pay for completing small tasks, surveys, or testing websites. The pay isn't high, but it's very flexible. (Be careful to only use reputable sites and never pay to join).
Social Media Assistant: Small businesses sometimes need help managing their social media accounts – scheduling posts, basic content creation, responding to comments. You can often learn on the job.
Data Entry: Some companies hire for remote data entry roles. Accuracy and typing speed are key. Look on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or general job boards.
Virtual Assistant (Entry-Level Tasks): This could involve email management, scheduling, basic research, or organizing digital files for busy professionals.
Content Creation (Blogging/Vlogging/TikTok): If you have a passion or a niche interest, you could try creating content. This isn't usually an immediate money-maker, but can develop over time.
Online Tutoring: If you're strong in subjects like math, English, or science, you could offer online tutoring to younger students. Platforms like Chegg Tutors or Skooli might have age restrictions, but you could also find clients locally.
Transcription: Converting audio to text. This requires good listening skills and typing speed.
Advice for Getting Your First Job:
Create a Simple Resume: Even without experience, you have skills!
Education: Your school, GPA (if good), relevant courses.
Skills: Highlight soft skills (reliable, punctual, good communicator, quick learner, organized, good with computers, strong work ethic, team player). If you have any technical skills (e.g., proficient in Microsoft Office, video editing, social media savvy), list them.
Volunteer Work: Any volunteering counts as experience!
Extracurricular Activities: Sports, clubs, school newspaper, drama — these show commitment, teamwork, and responsibility.
References: Ask a teacher, coach, or family friend (not a parent) if they would be willing to be a reference.
Network: Tell everyone you know (family, friends, teachers, neighbors) that you're looking for work. Word-of-mouth is very powerful for first jobs.
Dress Appropriately for Interviews: Even for a casual job, dress neatly.
Be Enthusiastic and Punctual: Show up on time for interviews, be polite, and express your eagerness to learn and work hard. Employers know you don't have experience, so they're looking for attitude and potential.
Highlight Your Strengths: Emphasize your availability (especially on weekends or after school), your willingness to learn, and your strong work ethic.
Check Local Job Boards & Websites: Many stores and restaurants have "now hiring" signs. Check their websites directly. Also, look at online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn (for remote), or local community job sites.
Safety First for Work-From-Home: Be very cautious about work-from-home scams. Never pay money to get a job, be wary of jobs that seem too good to be true, and always verify the company.
It's a big step to take on this responsibility, and it will teach you invaluable skills for your future. Good luck!
Anyone else shocked with the job market?
I got laid off recently, I'd been working with the startup straight out of college but they ran out of funds...
So I figured, No biggie, right? I'll just get a new job, everyone needs good junior devs.
WRONG. Look, I've not been living under a rock and I know the market is not the best right now. But recently after trying freelanching for a bit, I thought, "You know what? It's time for a new job, let's try applying".
And the horror stories I've been experiencing is quite insane to be honest. I haven't applied to a lot of roles rn, but the ones I've applied to, has told me enough about the market lol (I've posted seperately about specific experiences).
Do I really need to grind that hard for a job with basic pay and decent culture? It's irritating
Jobadvisor
I completely understand your frustration. It sounds like a really tough situation, especially after putting in the effort with freelancing and then facing unexpected challenges in the job market. It's definitely not what you'd expect when you have valuable skills as a junior developer.
It's common to hear about the market being challenging, but experiencing it firsthand is a whole different ballgame. The current climate can be incredibly demoralizing when you're just looking for something fair and stable.
If you're comfortable sharing, I'd be interested to hear about some of those specific experiences you mentioned in your separate post. Sometimes just venting or getting an outside perspective can help.
Keep your head up! This period won't last forever, and your skills are still in demand. It might take a bit more searching, but you'll find a place that values you.