The Mindie Method

Psychotherapist, wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straightforward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at: mindiesmusings1@gmail.com

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual psychotherapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett Psychotherapy practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com

Dear Mindie,
I recently graduated from college and just started a new job. While I am really enjoying being a part of the workforce, gaining experience in the industry I studied in school and earning money, I can’t help but feel inadequate. My boss and coworkers have not made me feel that way, but everything is so new and it’s such important work; I don’t want to mess up! I find myself overextending myself a lot to prove my worth and value to the company and it’s starting to get a little tiring. Will I always feel like this? How can I learn to change my frame of mind so that I’m not always trying to show everyone I belong at the office?.

Thank you,
Newbie

Dear Newbie,
It sounds like you have a dose of imposter syndrome. This is not uncommon and even the most seasoned professionals can fall victim. You feel as though you may not stack up with the others’ capabilities and knowledge and you may not right now – but that’s okay! I don’t know the parameters of your job, your skillset nor your boss’s needs and expectations, but I would imagine that your boss is aware that you are a recent college grad and that this is your first professional job in the marketplace. I also would assume that your boss has faith in you and trusts that you will not only work hard but you will study the job, learn from your mistakes (you will make mistakes – we all make mistakes!) and evolve. I’m also certain your boss was once a recent college graduate at his/her first job and felt the same way you are feeling now. We’ve all been there.

I would recommend that you give yourself a break. That doesn’t mean slack off or not give it the full 110% but to also honor the fact you’re new to the field and just like you needed space to spread your wings and fly in college, you need the space and patience to do that at work, as well. I also think you should lean on the evidence you have collected from your college career. For example: Your GPA, overcoming a hardship, or learning and excelling in a subject or scope of work especially challenging. Lean on those experiences as proof that you can not only tackle hard things but that you can learn new skills and grow.

Lastly, while it is important to always work hard and show allegiance to a company or boss, you must also remember to take care of yourself. Burnout is a recognized mental health disorder by WHO and ramifications can be very serious. Make sure you take the necessary time for a break in your day, get proper sleep, unplug when you can and do activities which are self-healing consistently. You will perform better at work, and you will feel more inclined to be your best self on repeat

Best of luck with your new career!

Love and Light,
Mindie xo