How To Cope With Imposter Syndrome in the Current Economy?
Freelancers, replace self-doubt with an action plan
How does the current economic situation make you feel?
The current freelance market is dynamic. According to Payoneer data, 32% of freelancers admit that the demand for their work decreased, while most say it stayed the same or even grew.
It’s still early to predict how the freelance sector will change in the upcoming years. Regardless of the economic situation, freelancing has always been a rollercoaster. But when you learn to ride it and stabilize your income, freelancing can be prosperous and liberating. However, for some people, the low season might trigger imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
People who suffer from imposter syndrome think of themselves as frauds, and they can’t fight the feeling that their work isn’t enough and discount the value of their previous achievements. Imposter syndrome is more common than you think, especially among freelancers, who can be left in the dark about why a client may have turned them down. Criticism, as well as lack of job opportunities and a lousy economy, might trigger your insecurities.
The current economic situation caused me to lose one of my major clients. Other clients also tighten their belts and cut down projects. I was stressed and anxious thinking about what to do next, as I wasn’t adequately prepared for the downturn.
I seized the moment and started searching for new clients. But I couldn’t land them. The situation got even worse in summer because my current clients went on vacation, and many potential leads paused the hiring process.
Slowly, my imposter syndrome crept in. I thought that maybe I don’t land new clients because I wasn’t good enough.
The longer it took to find work, the more unwanted thoughts I had. Until it became like a life sentence, before even sending a pitch to a company, I would set myself to fail.
I forgot the most important freelancing rule — rejection doesn’t define your worth.
Keeping your head up and working through difficult times is what helps to overcome the recession. But it’s easier said than done, I know that too well.
So, what can you do to manage unwanted thoughts?
Understand that just because this moment sucks, it doesn’t mean you suck.
You don’t suck, it’s your imposter syndrome talking. It’s hard to detach your worth from your professional achievements, but you have to try. Even the greatest creators faced rejection and a slow season. You can’t control the economy or a job market, but you can keep your spirits high and don’t succumb to negative feelings.
Your work is needed, and it brings value
When things get tough, it’s easy to start comparing yourself to others and their achievements. If you feel that by approaching clients, you annoy them, you aren’t worth them, or that your work isn’t good enough to get attention, stop! Your work is worth as much as everyone else’s, you just need to believe in yourself.
Don’t compare your journey to others’ because you don’t know where they are on their path. Also, not everything you see is real. Instead, lift others by lifting yourself. Find uniqueness in your work and see how it brings value.
Don’t push yourself
The moment you start telling yourself that it’s your fault you can’t land clients, your mind spirals these thoughts and brings more of them. You project yourself to fail because you yourself don’t believe in your work.
It might lead you to lower your standards and rates, search for clients beyond your niche and interests. But hang in there, don’t give up just yet. Relax and focus on how to improve your work and define its uniqueness.
Actions to take to fight imposter syndrome
When times are good, it’s easier to deal with insecurities because you have money and clients that prove your worth. In tough times, you have to prove your worth yourself. It’s hard, I know, but here are 4 ways to manage negative feelings and turn them into actions.
Build a portfolio
Don’t spend your time going through job boards and content mills. It might trigger your imposter syndrome more. Instead, build your portfolio and pitch to clients directly.
Don’t get stale, write on Medium, your blog, write guest posts. You will have a strong portfolio to prove your worth, improve your writing, and generate leads organically. The more active you’re online, the bigger are the chances potential clients will notice you. But don’t wait until clients find your work, pitch to them directly, showing your work, and the results you can deliver.
Contact old clients
In good times, we take clients for granted. That’s why it’s essential to keep good relationships with old clients and stay in touch. If your paths separated before, perhaps now they need you again. Remind former clients about yourself, show your new work, because they might have some job for you.
Don’t be afraid of career changes
One thing I keep repeating to myself is to remember that nothing in this life is permanent. If now it’s challenging to make a living, consider learning a new skill or even making a career shift. You won’t lose just because you take on extra work.
A new skill can do the job. If you’re a blogger, perhaps you can learn some copywriting techniques and offer a broader range of services. If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to consider learning web development and adding it to your services.
Don’t settle for the bad economy, learn how to benefit from it
Keep pitching and be active
I know how discouraging it is to see the rejection email after rejection email. But this time will pass, you need to keep up and be active. Keep pitching, keep your social media active, perhaps write an ebook, or learn a new skill. Trust me, it won’t go unnoticed. Hard work pays off, and it keeps you busy from giving up to imposter syndrome.
