I am currently finishing my master's in math (and procrastinating on subeta instead of studying for my last exams 😅). I am going to start my PhD (also in maths) afterwards. The entire time during my studies, I was struggling a lot with impostor syndrome and unfortunately, it is getting worse with time. Even though I got offered a PhD position and therefore should feel like I am qualified and capable, I always feel as if I somehow smuggled my way in. I fear that people will find me (intellectually) lacking and that I will not be able to make original contributions to my field. Nevertheless, I really want to give it a shot even though it's scary. I am passionate about my studies and feel like I'm not ready to leave academia just yet.

i really feel you on the impostor syndrome. im currently working on my masters in library science and im literally on the last semester and still feel like im a fraud. ive also recently started working as a librarian (i was a library assistant before) and now im expected to like make contributions and change things and do research and im like???? i am not qualified for this!!! but i am i guess. it's a weird time and hard to get used to. doesn't help that i was also already experiencing impostor syndrome in the lower position too and in my studies. so i guess what i'm trying to say is....i understand how you feel & you're not alone.

i guess i will say....you are where you are for a reason! they accepted you to the PhD position because they saw your capabilities & talents :) i am glad to hear you still want to give it a shot -- and i hope you do! brains are weird and want to convince us we can't do it....but your thoughts and contributions to your field are wanted and are valuable!

Definitely want to read through some of these when I'm on my computer and don't have to zoom in so much...

I'm currently adjunct faculty (just barely above a slave in the academic world) at a community college. I have a friend who just got accepted as an adjunct at the local state college, so I'm going to finish up my application today and see if they'll hire me, too.

Last year, I worked as a personal shopper, a stable hand, a college bookstore clerk, a freelance editor, and an adjunct instructor. Helped my bank account bounce back from the post-graduation unemployment brought on by covid. (I got my MFA in Creative Writing in 2020.)

Hi, first time posting.

I'm currently working in collections for a company of planes. English is not my native language and sometimes I forgot to speak it when calling customers. But it's a comfy remote work with free weekends, so I'm not complaining.

I'm an assistant bakery manager. I do everything from bread/rolls to cake decorating and sweet good baking.

I've worked in the same department for over 20 years. I work for the local county government in the auditor's office. Mainly we send out the tax bills for vehicles, homes, etc. Luckily I don't actually work with the public anymore though. I mainly work in the back area playing with numbers all day...which is so much better than working directly with the customers.:)

I do behavioral health with developmentally disabled children. We teach social skills, every day skills (brushing teeth, cleaning up after themselves, making beds, etc...), and other skills to benefit them in the future (i.e.-potty training, asking for preferred items, asking for breaks, etc...) Kids are amazing. They are such fun to work with and each have such unique personalities. I love it!

I’m a cake decorator and a digital artist !

i work in a sticker factory and make lots of stickers. :B

I'm a museum collections specialist. I'm in charge of the objects within the collection

I'm a manager in a big retail store. I get to be around people all day and work in a beautiful store. I would love to be a store/general manager in a few years.

I work as a VA in the insurance world. :p

I'm a long distance truck driver. Wish I knew other players that were too!

I'm an English teacher, and I work preparing people who need to take their international exam certifications.

I teach College Composition (basic "English" class at the college level)! 3 years ago I spent a month in Mongolia, where I taught Creative Writing and Personal Statement Writing for high school kids who wanted to do a year abroad in the US. For a while in 2020 I thought seriously about getting a TOEFL or CELTA certification, but I never did.

I work as an office manager for a sod company from home. It's actually part of the reason I've had the freedom to be able to get back on here recently.

I'm a Master Healer at Healer's Hall in Glen Meadow California and care for all wee creatures of the watershed. I am also queen of my tribe and of the community.

I run an art room where I facilitate projects and activities for kids (K-12)... been doing it since 2005. Love it!

I worked retail for five years, before working as a receptionist for a business for three. I am currently unemployed due to circumstances beyond my control.

I am a freelance digital artist. I dont work for anyone like industry or anything but just take commissions for art so i work from home.