Reclaiming Your Role
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome After Time Away
Returning to work after a prolonged period away - whether due to illness, mental health challenges, caregiving or other life circumstancescan feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. While some may expect a smooth reintegration, many returners are met with an unexpected and unsettling feeling: imposter syndrome.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the persistent belief that you’re not good enough or that your achievements are due to luck rather than skill. You may find yourself thinking:
“Everyone else has moved on without me.”
“I don’t belong here anymore.”
“They’re going to realise I can’t keep up.”
These thoughts can linger, even when there's no evidence to support them. And they are more common than you might think.
Imposter Syndrome by the Numbers
A 2023 study by Indeed UK found that 58% of British workers experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.
Among those returning from a break, over 60% reported self-doubt and anxiety about their performance.
Women in the UK are more likely to experience it than men, especially in male-dominated industries.
Younger professionals and returners are among the most affected, often questioning their right to be in the room after time away.
The irony? Imposter syndrome often hits the most capable people—the ones who care deeply, strive to do well, and set high standards for themselves.
Why Time Away Amplifies These Feelings
When you’ve been away from work, it’s easy to feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. Technology might have changed. Projects have evolved. Teams may have moved on. You might even feel like a former version of yourself is being compared to the “new you” - with added pressure to catch up or prove your value all over again.
Combine that with the internalised expectations to "bounce back" quickly, and imposter syndrome finds fertile ground. Many people end up overcompensating - working harder, saying yes to everything, avoiding asking for help - all while silently doubting their worth.
The Reality? You’re Not Alone
These feelings are incredibly common - but often go unspoken. Many returners assume they’re the only ones feeling this way, when in reality, imposter syndrome thrives in silence. Left unchecked, it can affect confidence, increase stress and even impact performance.
How Moco Can Help
At Moco, we understand that returning to work is more than a logistical process - it’s an emotional and psychological journey. That’s why we’ve designed tailored support for returners, helping them navigate imposter syndrome and rebuild their confidence.
We offer:
✅ One-to-One Coaching: Personalised guidance to help you challenge imposter thoughts, set boundaries and reconnect with your strengths.
✅ Confidence Workshops: Evidence-based sessions that help you communicate your value, manage self-doubt and gain tools for resilience.
✅ Wellbeing Support: Resources for those recovering from burnout, illness or major life changes - because your return should be sustainable, not overwhelming.
Reclaim Your Space
You’ve earned your place at the table - not despite your break, but because you had the strength to take it when you needed to. Your experiences have value, your skills are still valid, and you deserve to feel confident in your role.
Imposter syndrome may show up - but it doesn’t have to take over. With Moco, you are not doing this alone.