Starting new job soon and worried about failing again – advice?
I’m starting a new job in a few days and I’m honestly nervous I’m going to fail again.
My first entry-level role went really well because I had solid guidance and a supportive manager. But in my next job, it was the opposite no guidance, a clueless manager, and I felt completely set up to fail. That experience tanked my confidence.
Back then I was basically on the client side of projects, working with consultants. In this new role, I’ll be the consultant. It’s a step up in title (though not in pay), and I can’t stop stressing that I’ll get thrown into the deep end and not be able to deliver.
My main worries are: Skillset – am I actually good enough for this?
Imposter syndrome – what if I get “found out”?
Support – will I get proper guidance this time, or be left to sink or swim again?
I’ve read the responsibilities in my contract and already feel overwhelmed. Has anyone here moved from client-side to consultant-side work before? How did you handle the pressure and build confidence without spiraling into imposter syndrome?
Posted Sep 14, 2025, 1:55 PM UTC