The Impostor Syndrome
The start of 2024 is devastating, with a round of layoffs across all industries – gaming, journalism, tech. For me, this life-changing event happened at the end of 2023.
I must say, job searching is a soul-crushing process right now. The market is unhealthy, and you spend crazy amounts of time on initial applications. Some employers are even asking for personality tests, WPM scores, or even pre-recorded Looms. They want to know if I'm able to type after more than 10 years in tech and customer support. God knows why they need a Loom. Plus, as a jobless person, you're on borrowed time – the money isn't infinite. It's no surprise you feel down most of the time, especially after receiving yet another rejection email. It makes you question your worth.
Then, I read the news and think about these people:
Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard. Received more than $375 million in compensation following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Three months later:
Microsoft is laying off 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox this week. While Microsoft is primarily laying off roles at Activision Blizzard, some Xbox and ZeniMax employees will also be impacted by the cuts. — Source
Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person (!) and the head of 6 companies, including X, Tesla, and SpaceX:
X is officially worth less than half of what Elon Musk paid for it. A year after he bought Twitter for $44 billion, Musk thinks the company is now worth $19 billion, a 55 percent drop. — Source
Tesla shares plummeted more than 10 percent Thursday, wiping billions off the company’s valuation after CEO Elon Musk failed to allay concerns about stagnating growth and persistent price cuts on the company’s earnings call. — Source
Elon Musk Has Used Illegal Drugs, Worrying Leaders at Tesla and SpaceX. Some executives and board members fear the billionaire’s use of drugs—including LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, mushrooms and ketamine—could harm his companies. — Source
Donald Trump, a former president (!) of the USA, is currently a candidate in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries. Indicted on 91 (!) felony charges:
The jury found Mr. Trump inserted his fingers into her v*gina. Ms. Carroll did not make up her claim. Mr. Trump's June 11 & June 22 statements were defamatory. Now, Mr. Trump may not make any argument against this. — Source
If Bobby, Elon, and Donald are qualified enough to do what they do, then you surely are qualified too. So, the next time you feel an impostor syndrome, don't.
Keep pushing. We all need just a little bit of luck in this life.
And maybe just a pinch of nepotism.