It is hard being a novice in life. There is no easy way to navigate the feelings of imposter syndrome. Especially, when you are changing careers.

I had a Zoom call with a retiring Master Chief Petty Officer I met during my first Afghanistan deployment. He has been highly success in his Navy career, carving out a place in the leadership triad both on ships and at shore commands.

For me, this is both insightful and instructive. What if, after 20 or 30 years becoming one thing or charting a single career path you were compelled to walk away and start fresh?

“I feel like I’m 18 year old again. I need to figure what I want to be when I grow up.” His words, my thoughts. It would be a bit scary. It could lead to imposter syndrome.

What if they find out?

Throughout my professional journey, I have struggled with imposter syndrome. It gets worse with age, because of higher expectations. Navigating it, after a successful ‘first career’, is worse than a continuation of a career.

For retired military members, imposter syndrome holds them back from really going after a new career. They have all the ‘soft skills’ an employer could dream of, experience under pressure, and gut-grinding determination to see teams and the organization win.

Yet, many military retirees question themselves. They question if they can transfer any of their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA’s) effectively to create value as private sector employees.

It might be a two-way street from the employer’s side. Fear may be influencing a hiring manager, as well?

What if they want my job?

A colleague, Mike, told me once that I intimidated and scared people. To look at me, I’m not physically imposing. What he meant was I get intense when I talk on subject where I have expertise.

Deep expertise express with energy and enthusiasm can create missed opportunity. Some people feel threatened by women and men who built a career as military professionals. It’s not your fault or my fault, and we can do something about minimizing those concerns.

How is your delivery?

So, I learned to dial my intensity down. “I have you about an 11 and I need you at a five.” said Mike. Good advice for anyone who want to build rapport. Attitude is everything according to Keith Harrel.

Keith is right and we can be meek so that people feel safe. Meekness is not weakness. It is strength restrained. Meekness is about creating comfort for others; looking out for their interests. It is about building bridge and revealing that we are all just humans being.

Consider this point

If you have all the KSA’s to do the job, should you be worried about being an imposter? I don’t think so, I would be more concerned about keeping a growth mindset.

Be a life-long-learner, a student of life, and an engaged colleague. Show up like you are 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 years old, ready to learn and grow.