Imposter Syndrome

 I was bored with healthcare. To be honest, I don't think I ever really belonged there to begin with. When I decided to transition from healthcare to human resources, I knew that I had to come with my A game. HR is an industry that makes and breaks businesses. No matter how good the product or service, the business isn't right if HR isn't on top of policies and procedures, work culture, employee performance, and so much more. HR is more than just the department you engage with upon hire and exit. They are more than the department you run to when there's tension between you and another staff member. HR is the glue. The mirror. The wishing well. The police. The unsung heroes that save the day, every day. 

At first I thought I could just saunter into HR and become part of the tribe, simply because I wanted to. I had a strong and long history of medical credentialing where I reviewed resumes, participated in the onboarding process, hosted orientation, managed provider files. I was already performing some related duties and I was up for whatever else would come with the title. After knocking on so many doors, practically begging and screaming at the gatekeepers who refused to welcome me in, I figured I'd have better chances if I went back to school for a quick certificate program that would teach me the core of HR. Law, ethics, and employee relations. It was there that I discovered that the career change wasn't just something to do. It was a calling. I was passionate about work. I was learning things I wish I had known earlier. And that I wanted to teach others. 

I went on to earn my first HR position and enroll in an HR maters program. I graduated summa cum laude. The highest honor. And I felt full. I knew my stuff, I continued to study the industry, I became an HR Consultant where I was blessed with the opportunity to perform an array of duties, touching every aspect of human resources. I stared my business and began helping people land jobs. Yet and still, my first unsatisfied client made me question my abilities. 

Should I be helping people? Teaching people? Am I good enough? Do I belong in the HR tribe of professionals or did I luck up? After a couple minutes I regained my confidence; I know my stuff. I can't let people make me feel anything less. I know this industry. I am this industry. There will always be unsatisfied customers in business. It's inevitable. 

I write this to encourage people who also experience moments of doubt. Keep going. You were ready the moment you decided to take a leap
of faith and move forward towards the career of your dreams.