While not an actual disorder, impostor syndrome is defined as a pattern of behavior where a person is convinced that they’re undeserving of the accomplishments they have. It’s often denoted as having a persistent and internalized fear of being outed as a fraud.
People who suffer from this condition think of their success as mere strokes of luck. They may believe others are lying when complimenting their intelligence, efficiency or competence. All kinds of individuals are impacted by it too—even senior-level executives and entrepreneurs.
An online work environment, which is growing more common lately, adds an extra layer of complication. Being alone in confined spaces for long periods of time heightens negative feelings. This makes it easy for someone to fall into a downward spiral of self-doubt.
Those new to the remote lifestyle will find themselves especially susceptible. Apart from being newcomers, there are also plenty of veterans to compare themselves to. Numerous unproductive thoughts stem from those factors alone.
Are you having a bad case of the impostor syndrome? Then, you might be wondering what you can do about it. This article explores how to quell those feelings.
Firstly, you have to get your facts straight.
Many are of the opinion that proven expertise is required to start working from home. The truth is that you don’t have to be a recognised leader in your industry to get hired. What you need are boundless curiosity and burning passion in what you’re doing.
You must realise that successful entrepreneurs and executives came to be called experts because they have a strong drive in their niche or craft.
If you have something that pushes you out of bed in the morning and keeps you going until late, you’re a specialist too.
Sure, there are people who have been at it far longer than you. They might’ve studied it in school and gotten a doctorate degree as well. You mustn’t discount your own capabilities despite this. Believe that there’s something you’re able to uniquely offer to clients.
Secondly, you have to understand your appeal.
More companies are aiming to make their workforce fully remote in the future. This means there is a growing demand for virtual professionals like you.
The competition is certainly fierce but you have a chance to become the most appealing candidate out there.
You may think it impossible to contend with individuals who have decades of experience and dozens of professional connections. However, the remote industry isn’t just for them. It’s accessible to you too, especially as job opportunities get increasingly diverse.
Here’s an example: if you worked finance, you’d have been limited to accounting or bookkeeping positions. Now, you’re able to compete for blogging roles that specialise in money or investing. You may even try for consulting or educating on niche subjects like foreign exchange, if you have the know-how.
Thirdly, you have to know your worth.
Because you’re new, you might think you cannot demand a high rate like the veterans. You likely believe your experience, talent, and time are only worth so much. In the end, you’re selling yourself short and leading some clients to assume services like yours are supposed to be cheap.
Learn to compute rates based on perceived value in the market.
It’s common for newbies to set a monthly salary then divide it by 160 hours (assuming they work 40 hours per week) to get their hourly rate. For example, they want USD 300 per month so they divide this by 160 and round off to USD 2 per hour.
Experienced remote workers consider how much their output is perceived to be valued in the market then they calculate how many hours they take to finish it. Let’s say a 500-word article is worth USD 15 and they can complete a piece in 3 hours. They divide 150 by 3 and quote USD 5 per hour.
Don’t be pressured to ask low hourly rates out of fear that you won’t get hired.
The best clients will look at the quality rather than the price. When you can pump out a 3000-word article that requires minimal to no editing in 1 day, they may not mind paying you USD 8 per hour.
Fourthly, you have to teach others.
Information is in demand in the remote industry as there are many who want to learn new things or hone existing skills. Hence, it’s worth looking at opportunities where you may teach fellow virtual workers about topics you’re knowledgeable about.
Even if you’re fresh out of college, you may have something to share about your experience as an intern at a well-known organisation, for instance. This is information that maybe only you can give. Others will surely appreciate your effort in sharing it.
Besides, people will always listen when your words make sense.
Try hitting two birds with one stone too. If you’re still learning something, record the process and post the video online. Doing so allows you to expand your knowledge and teach others at the same time. It’s a win-win situation!
Fifthly, you have to look for a remote job.
Don’t give self-doubt a chance to take root in your heart. If you’re still on the fence about working from home, set a deadline for making your decision. If you’ve already set your mind to it, look for opportunities you’re interested in right away.
Impostor syndrome is going to get in the way of your job search sometimes. However, turn it into a driving force to advance in your craft and become the best version of yourself.
Consider switching to an online position as a means to learn more because you’re still lacking now.
If you’re wondering where to find legitimate virtual positions, you’re in the right place here at Remote Workmate. We update our listings on a regular basis and will guide you through the screening process.
Even if you don’t get hired right away, if you’d like, we’ll keep you in our candidate pool so we can inform you of any new vacancies that you might be qualified for or interested in.
Browse our careers page and send in your cover letter today.
