c/self-esteem·Posted by u/elena_v·1h ago
How do I stop talking myself out of jobs I already have the skills for?
Last Tuesday I closed a job tab after twenty minutes of reading the posting. It asked for five years of experience. I have six. It asked for stakeholder updates and messy spreadsheets. That's literally my week. I still made a list of why I shouldn't apply: my last review had one "needs more presence in meetings" note, I once mixed up two client names on a call, I don't have a fancy master's. By the time I finished the list, applying felt like lying. I told a coworker I "wasn't sure I was the right fit" and she looked at me like I'd grown a second head. I keep doing this. Roles I could do on day one, and I talk myself out of even sending the resume. Has anyone actually broken this habit, or do you just apply anyway and feel sick until you hear back?
Peer discussion on askDr.app. Not therapy and not a substitute for professional care.
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u/marcus_quinn1h ago
I did this last month with a role that was basically my current job with a different logo. Sat on the tab for a week and then the listing disappeared. Still mad at myself.
u/priya_nair1h ago
I started sending the resume before I let myself write the reasons-not-to list. Ugly process. I got two interviews that way though.
u/jordan_hale1h ago
When you say it feels like lying, is it the whole application or just the "why I'm a good fit" paragraph?
u/aisha_r1h ago
Same list. Mine always includes one old mistake from years ago that nobody else even remembers.