New job nerves/tips for building confidence please!

[ThreeBecameFour]

I went back to work in a role I have been in for over 5 years following my 2nd mat leave in June. My current role has been a bit tricky but I have been offered a better job elsewhere and therefore resigned and begin my new job in a few weeks. All very exciting!

But.... in my current role due to the culture of the place I work in, my confidence isn't as high as it could be and I question the decisions I make, I am micro managed, I don't have much autonomy even though I am a line manager and my skills and experience have not been used to the full. I don't let on to anyone know I feel like this as it would be used negatively, but I feel a bit of me has been chipped away working for my current employer. So it is a really good time to make the decision to move on.

My new role is a head of department role so great for my career, nearer home and flexible which fits my current needs. I need to feel like I am in control and confident. I don't. I guess this is new job nerves after being somewhere else for a while, fear of the unknown? plus the return to work following mat leave 9 weeks ago. I am really excited about my new role, being a working mum and feel confident the kids are in good childcare - so that isn't the issue.

I feel a bit of a fraud for some reason. I don't feel confident. No real substance to why. I know my stuff and I know I can do good work at the new place. I know I wouldn't have been offered the job if they didn't think I could do it! I just feel anxious. My confidence is pretty low.

Any tips to feel really good and confident for starting a new job?

[Chottie]

It sounds to me like new girl nerves on starting a new job. Once you get there and start you will be fine. I can see you looking back at the end of the first week and wondering what you were worrying about. :)

I'm a great one for believing in 'fake it 'til you make it'.

I would dress the part, building myself up from the outside. If I look confident, I feel confident and then I act confident.

Well done on your new job - it sounds really exciting.

[CareersDragon]

Hi threebecamefour,

What you're feeling is not uncommon, so don't think you're alone!
You might be interested in doing some reading around "Imposter Syndrome" en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome

I think the advice to fake it until you make it is good, as it allows you to think that you have to fake it in the first instance. You probably won't. It is normal for new roles to be accompanied by uncertainty...

Good luck with your new job xx