Imposter Syndrome and Menopause: Breaking the Career Barrier for Women in Business
I received some interview feedback recently which got me thinking. The role would be an advancement to my career and in my own line manager’s words ‘this job has your name all over it! It’s perfect for you!’
But as I answered questions from the panel, I experienced an overwhelming feeling of imposter syndrome. Ordinarily this wouldn’t have put me off my stride but it has been a long time since I was on this side of the table and I’m out of practice. To top it all off, things have altered… I am altered… I am 48 and I am going through menopause.
Imposter Syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects many individuals, regardless of their gender or career stage. However, when it intersects with the experience of menopause, its impact on women in business can be particularly pronounced and debilitating.
It is important to discuss and raise awareness of the complex relationship between imposter syndrome and menopause and explore how these two phenomena can intersect and limit the career progress of women in the corporate world so that we can bring about change.
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter Syndrome is the persistent feeling of being a fraud, despite external evidence of one’s competence or achievements. It is characterized by self-doubt, a fear of being exposed as incompetent, and an inability to internalize one’s accomplishments. Imposter Syndrome can manifest in various ways, from perfectionism to self-sabotage, and it often leads to chronic stress and anxiety.
The Menopause Experience
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s and is associated with a range of physical and emotional changes. While menopause is a universal experience for women, it is also highly individualized, with symptoms and the overall experience varying from person to person.
Common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and cognitive changes. It’s the cognitive changes – often referred to as “menopausal brain fog” – that can intersect with imposter syndrome to create unique challenges for women in business.
“Self Doubt Amplified“
Imposter Syndrome and menopausal cognitive changes can reinforce each other. Women experiencing menopause-related cognitive lapses may perceive these as signs of incompetence, feeding into their imposter syndrome. The self-doubt that accompanies imposter syndrome can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy during this already challenging phase of life.
Imposter syndrome, when combined with menopause, can cause women in business to feel hesitant to pursue new opportunities or take on leadership roles leading to missed career advancements.
It often fuels perfectionism, making women hypercritical of their work. The physical and emotional challenges of menopause can exacerbate these perfectionist tendencies, causing them to overwork in an attempt to compensate for perceived inadequacies.
“Fear of Exposure”
Menopausal symptoms can be unpredictable, leading to fears of embarrassment in professional settings. Women may avoid networking events, public speaking engagements, or meetings, as they worry about experiencing hot flashes or memory lapses, further isolating themselves in their careers.
Menopause can also bring about physical changes that some women find challenging, such as weight gain or changes in skin and hair. These physical changes can affect self-esteem, which, when coupled with imposter syndrome, can significantly undermine confidence in the workplace.
Breaking the Barrier: Strategies for Women in Business
Self-Awareness:
Recognizing and acknowledging imposter syndrome and menopausal symptoms are the first steps toward overcoming them. Understanding that these feelings and changes are common can help women contextualize their experiences.
Seek Support:
Women should seek support from colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide a safe space to discuss their challenges openly. Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can be incredibly empowering.
Professional Development:
Investing in continuous learning and professional development can help women build their confidence and competence. Training and education can also serve as tangible proof of their skills, helping to combat imposter syndrome.
Self-Care:
Prioritizing self-care is essential during menopause. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help alleviate some symptoms and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or yoga, can also be beneficial for managing stress and anxiety.
Accommodations and Advocacy:
Women should not hesitate to request accommodations or make their workplaces aware of their menopausal symptoms if necessary. Understanding and supportive employers can make adjustments to work environments to help women thrive despite these challenges.
While imposter syndrome and menopause are two significant challenges, it’s crucial to remember that these experiences are both common and manageable. With self-awareness, support networks, and proactive strategies, women can break through the barriers created by these phenomena and continue to excel in their careers.
I wasn’t successful in my interview this time around but I am better prepared for next time. The feedback was that I should have more confidence and belief in myself. I am so grateful for this valuable feedback as it has been the catalyst I needed to adopt more effective coping strategies to manage the changes that I am experiencing.
By sharing my experience and advocating for change, I hope that I can help to create more inclusive and understanding workplaces that support women throughout all stages of their professional lives. Imposter syndrome and menopause should not define or limit the careers of women; instead, they should be seen as opportunities for growth, resilience, and empowerment.