A few days ago, I shared a reflection on LinkedIn (in English) and Instagram (in Spanish) about the increasing resonance of imposter syndrome in professional conversations. I didn’t expect it to trigger so many direct messages from people, both familiar and new, who all shared a common experience: they had dealt with imposter syndrome and felt compelled to share their stories with me.What started as a casual post turned into a persistent thought that lingered in my mind. I found myself thinking about it constantly, so I decided to dig deeper and explore the topic further, which led to this article.
For those who haven't heard about it, imposter syndrome is the overwhelming feeling that you don’t deserve your success, that your achievements are due to luck, and that it’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes you’re a fraud.
The term was first coined in the late 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, who observed this phenomenon predominantly in high-achieving women (click to read abstract). The original study focused on women in professional settings, describing how these women often felt like they were deceiving others about their abilities.
This article gained traction because it resonated with many. For years, the conversation around imposter syndrome has been deeply intertwined with discussions about gender, particularly the challenges faced by women in different industries, and more specifically, in male-dominated ones. But is this really a woman’s issue?
Freelance language professionals may be particularly vulnerable to imposter syndrome. The nature of freelance work often means working in isolation, without the regular feedback and validation that can come from a team environment. This isolation can amplify self-doubt, as freelancers may constantly question the quality of their work and their right to charge competitive rates.
Additionally, the need to constantly market oneself, secure clients, and handle rejections can lead to feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to stay updated with industry trends and technologies, combined with the unpredictability of freelance income, can further exacerbate these feelings, making it difficult for language professionals to recognize their own worth and contributions.
In many industries, including the translation industry, women might feel additional pressure to prove themselves, leading to heightened self-doubt and the fear of being “found out.” These factors contribute to why imposter syndrome is more frequently discussed in relation to women.
However, it's important to acknowledge that men can and do experience imposter syndrome as well. They might express it differently or be less likely to talk about it due to cultural expectations of masculinity. Understanding that imposter syndrome is more prevalent among women helps us address the underlying causes, but it’s equally important to broaden the conversation to include all who are affected.
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t easy, but it’s possible. The first step is acknowledging the problem. Understand that these feelings are common and don’t reflect reality. Here are a few strategies that I believe can help:
Even the most successful people have dealt with imposter syndrome. Take Maya Angelou, for example. Despite writing numerous bestsellers and being hailed as a literary genius, she once said, "I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.’" Similarly, Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in history, referred to himself as an “involuntary swindler,” doubting his contributions to the scientific world.
In the entertainment industry, actors like Tom Hanks and Emma Watson have openly discussed their struggles with imposter syndrome. Watson once said, “It’s almost like the better I do, the more my feeling of inadequacy actually increases, because I’m just going, ‘Any moment, someone’s going to find out I’m a total fraud, and that I don’t deserve any of what I’ve achieved.’”
These examples show that imposter syndrome doesn’t correlate with actual competence or success. It’s a psychological pattern that can affect anyone, even those at the top of their fields.
Imposter syndrome is a pervasive issue that affects both men and women in various ways. While the conversation has historically focused on women, it’s time to recognize that this is a broader problem. By acknowledging imposter syndrome, talking about it openly, and using strategies to combat it, language professionals—and anyone else who experiences these feelings—can begin to overcome it and fully embrace their achievements.
How about you? Have you ever felt like an imposter? Have you ever thought that you didn't deserve your success, that your achievements were just due to luck? If so, how did you overcome these feelings? If you'd like to share your experience, register for the upcoming ProZ.com meetup: Imposter syndrome in the language industry: is it more common among women?