How long did it take you in your position before you truly felt like you knew what you were doing?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

A movie line Ive never forgotten: “It’s the world’s biggest secret: nobody feels like an adult.”

To whatever degree, I think everyone is just acting like theyve seen their favorite people act....or guessing....or seeing what they can get away with. Theres always somebody doing better than you—and that person probably doesnt have it figured out either.

like

I feel mostly comfortable with things but there are certain situations where I’m like oh god where’s the adult or have some sort of impostor syndrome

likehelpful

I totally agree with this!

likehelpful
Recent IconRecent

80% of our job is a guess.
Including the 80% number.

likefunny

I 125% agree.

like

When you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing think back to all of the things you didn’t know how to do 1, 3, 5, 10 years ago compared to today.

likeuplifting

Our MD told me something like: it takes 6 mos to feel like you're starting to get into a swing, 12 mos to feel like you've gotten the grasp of everything/stable footing and 18 mos to really feel like a total expert on your account. We have some really process heavy clients who are simultaneously always changing process so maybe it's faster/easier to get there on other accounts but this is holding pretty true for me so far.

In general, career-wise, I feel like I'm always googling or making it up as I go through 🤷‍♀️🤣 I like to think of it as, if I'm uncomfortable then I'm learning.

like

+1 on this timeline as well. Totally agree. Although one of the perks(?) of agency life is that things and clients are always changing.

like

I can’t say this makes me feel any better, but at least I know most people are just as lost as me 🤷🏼‍♂️...

like

First, I agree with everyone lol. It never quite feels like you know what you're doing. It's the magic of the industry. In my experience, most people who make a show out of knowing how to do their job aren't doing it well. Second, there are so many factors that play into this - like the nature of your role, having a manager that's actually smart and helpful, working with a team that also knows what they're doing, and most importantly, time. It also helps if you don't hate what you do. And honestly, it might change every time you start a new team, account, role, etc.
Give it time 🤷🏻‍♀️

like

Hey OP, appreciate you making this post.

Tbh I’ve been at my role for a little over 5 months now. There are days where I feel like I’m on top of all of my tasks. And there are days where I feel like I haven’t learned as much as I thought I did.

Hope you’re not beating yourself up too much. Just know that if your level confidence isn’t quite where you want it to be, you’re not alone.

like

6-12 Months for a totally new job for management. 3-6 months for a more junior role that provides hands on or mentored training.

likefunny

I feel 100% confident in my skills but navigating the advertising waters I am like a fish with no head

like

It took me 14 years for me to feel more comfortable and confident with what I’m doing. But I still have my days of feeling like a hack.

like

I’ll let you kniw

likefunny

I still feel like I have no idea what the hell I’m doing on a daily basis.

like

About 2-3 years. Then elevated my role and another 1-2 years. Then changed roles 2x and another 1-2 years. The point is to never stop learning or growing in your career. Once you think know what you’re doing 100%, challenge yourself again

like

Well. Six months at a new place. Still learning very day. Imposter syndrome is easy to get into.

like

10 years and counting.

like

Do you think most of your colleagues have been this self aware?

like

I still keep wishing I wasn't the adult in the room

likefunny

Agree with SD1. Confident in my skill set. Pretty comfortable with most projects (always with room to learn). But I got my current title a about a year and a half ago and I still haven’t figured out what the appropriate balance is between being hands-on and managing more 😳

like

To be honest, 6 months

like

But I think I got really good at my job after 5 years 😄

like

Related Posts

Looking to leave my auditing position with only 3 months of experience... I'm in a relatively small firm, and my manager's micromanaging is insane... Want to go into advisory, any advice is welcome.

Looking to transition out of a clinical role to a “clinical data/tech role” to help bridge the gap between healthcare tech and implementation to healthcare companies/field clinicians. Any recommendations to look for healthcare tech companies or getting started for a clinical data training?

likehelpful

Hello Fishes

How is the WLB, annual hike, work culture in MasterCard?
Role- Middleware

I currently have 6 years experience in a Bank covering Corporate Banking, Corporate Relations and Chief of Staff roles. What KEY IB skills do I need for a move there as a VP I? Valuation skills and Excel mastery?! It would be a Coverage role. Thanks!

like

I’m interested in reaching for a position as manager for a local retailer, but I hate having to play the bad guy. How can I become more comfortable with fulfilling that role?

like

Hello Fishes.. I had applied for a position and had completed the cultural assessment. Received an automated mail that said “we will be in touch soon”. It’s been more than 20 days and haven’t received any communication. Should I expect any reply now? What’s the usual procedure like?

Alvarez & Marsal Anyone who can refer me for analyst position? currently having 1 yoe with ZS as a DAA

American Express Paypal Walmart Amazon PwC Airbnb Boston Consulting Group Roland Berger Alvarez & Marsal Trinity Consulting Eli Lilly and Company Meesho

like

Is pwc LLP means pwc kolkata...i am so confused who in pwc is hiring me .,
Tech stack - reactjs
2.5 yoe

like

I’m interviewing for a community manager role with a creative agency tomorrow. Anyone have tips specifically for CM/Strategy roles?

like

Guys Could you please help me with a referral in PwC .. preferred Location Kolkata

YOE 1 YR 10 MONTH
Technology - Sql, FTL, Jira, jenkins, Bitbucket,Agile Methodologies , Htmlcss, bootstrap, angular (beginner level), Core java

*Ready to move to New Technology


currently in notice period 29days left ..if you have anything me , please help 😊

like

What’s your work-life balance like? I feel like I’m constantly working after hours, always balancing multiple projects, hardly ever going through a phase where there isn’t a ton of critical initiatives going on. It definitely wasn’t like this when I was a more junior PMM, but as a Senior PMM, my work-life balance has severely decreased. Is this just the nature of Product Marketing? Or can I actually find a senior PMM role that allows a bit more room to breathe?

like

I have been at my company for 3.5 years. One year ago (2.5 years into my employment with them) they re-leveled everyone and I was bumped to an entry level position on the terms that they changed my job title when they re-leveled, so “technically” I am at the early stages of my new title. Even though the job duties did not really change.
I’m not sure the best way to approach this. Has anyone else had a similar experience or know how I should advocate for myself?

like

Does anyone here work at Ameriprise financial? If so, would you recommend it? What is the work life balance like? I have an interview for a Advisory trading specialist role. Thanks!

likehelpful

I am working for 3 years in TCS. Looking for referral in field of Data Science/ ML .

Relevant YOE: 2 years as ML Engineer(Computer Vision/ NLP)

Highly appreciated if any referral opportunities available

like

Asking for a friend: Looking for a referral to KPMG Advisory - Federal Healthcare Policy. 7 years exp + MPP + currently at BAH. Let me know if any fish want to bite 🎣

likesmartfunny

Hey I was informed my position was eliminated due to corp restructure. I am a marketing vet with 10 years diverse experience from social to email and both b2b and b2c marketing. I also am about to complete my mba. I love to tell a brands story. Looking for a position at a people first company marketing manager positions or above in Atlanta or remote thanks for your help.

like

My husband having 12 yrs. exp currently holds two opportunities abroad at the moment. We r a family of three (husband, wife and a 1 yo)

One is a contract role (through a consultancy) in Australia with 100k annual pay.. Other one is an On-site opportunity in New Zealand through an WITCH company, not unsure of the pay right now. Their eventual plan is to settle abroad, preferably Australia

Please suggest which one would be a better choice at the moment. Also any info on on-site pay in NZ

like

Hi Fishes,
Qburst is hiring across roles now. Pay is competent and wlb is amazing. If you fit any of these roles please feel free to DM me for a referral. Happy to help in these trying times.

Post Photo
like

Need some advice. Would you take a contract role for a big tech company? Went through a full cycle of interviews but another candidate was selected for the role. The senior manager then emailed me directly asking if I was interested in a contract position. Not sure what to do….

like

More Posts

Looking for a remote HR/ER or Training and Development role 9 collective YOE! Open to any referrals within the US!

like
like

Hi fishes,

What are the perks and benifits in Commonwealth Bank, I have recently got offer and i will be joining as a data scientist in aug.

Any leads wil be helpful.

Thanks

like

S&P Global How is job security in S&P Global, in Hyderabad location S&P Global

Best hotel in NYC with a decent gym?

Starting Intermittent Fasting meets elimination diet meets 40 days meat+veggie+fruit diet in consultation with a nutritionist + a lifestyle change program.

I'm not used to IF and had coffee with coconut oil this morning. Thought I was going to pass out since I waited until 11 to eat.

Thinking about adjusting starting to eat at 9:30/10 tomorrow instead.

No questions, just this is going to be something new to get used to.

like

I want to give a Christmas gift to the manager of the gym I go to. She’s awesome and I just really appreciate her. I can’t think of any ideas though! Can anybody think any good ones? I do not know much about her personal life except that she’s a single mother.

like

Why is this group so dead??
Something wrong with our Desi mentality ?
I am sure most of the people are single here, still it’s too empty and dull, what’s wrong with us 😂😂

like

Is there any opening in Servicenow development. Let me know if, you come to know of any. EXP: 2.5 years. Requirement for a friend

like

How to get into IBM ISL from GBS

like

I have been looking at the curriculums for Harvard Business School's Master of Business Administration and Harvard Extension School's Master's in Management. They both have the same requirements, generally speaking, including a field immersion course that serves as a capstone in the Master's in Management, which is fairly new. If I am not able to gain admission to Harvard Business School, but wanted a similar educational experience to become a consultant, should I attend Harvard Extension?

like

Compared to FRM, CFA is tough because it requires an enormous commitment to complete all three levels

like

Does anyone here do OTF for weight loss? 29F, need to lose ~50lbs and have been doing IF, low carb, high protein diet. Wondering if OTF is enough to get me started. Need to get into an exercise routine. I need the motivation of a class, group etc and don’t have the motivation to workout alone in a gym. TIA!

like

Person brought a pit bull onto the flight. I’m shocked there is not a breed restriction

like

I’m 10 months into consulting out of college. All I want is a job that’s going to pay me roughly 100k when im done with consulting. Don’t really care about career trajectory. I only care if it’s easy.

likefunnysmart

What’s the draw of product marketing? I see a lot of my MBA classmates going into these roles but don’t really get the appeal

like

Have you ever snoop through your partner’s phone without them knowing? If so, did you find anything shocking?!

like

Joining EY soon. Should I be worried about layoffs happening supposedly in June/July?

like

Hi all,

Seeing some posts on layoffs in barclays. Is it true and which category of Employees will fall in that list.

like

Struggling with this whole work life balance thing. Is it possible to have a semblance of a life/hobbies? If so, how? Most of my socializing is honestly in the microcosm of the firm (drink nights etc)

like

Additional Posts in Advertising

If you work remotely, is it fair to negotiate a salary based on where you live, not where the company is located? What's the going rate on the East Coast for Sr Buyer with 15+ yrs exp?

like

Either Havas’ leadership is in complete denial, or now they’re going to start cannibalizing each other.. 🍿🍿🍿

Post Photo
likefunny

Who’s negotiated severance? Any tips?

like

Men 🐟: Is the unwritten rule of urban spacing dead?! Too many guys ponying up nice and close lately. Ladies, do you have any similar unwritten rules of the bathroom?

like

I'm moving back to Europe.

Anyone has tips of Good recruiting websites for freelancers ? A similar version of working not working but in Europe ?

like

Layoffs at Omnicom shops today?

like

Honest question, can fishbowl actually help resolve and navigate the challenges, frustrations and realizations we face as an industry? Or more just a place to vent?

like

I think I’m potentially about to be fired this week in retaliation from my boss...what should I do?

like

Giving my cell number to the high-strung account lead was a top five all-time Bad Decision™️.

likefunny

Looking for senior designers that knows shopper marketing. Please DM with books!

Struggling to send my book out like

Post Photo
likefunnyhelpful

How do you create the visual direction of a print campaign for example? Is it generally just about creating a mood board that sets the look and feel? Should it be specific (as in drawing or illustrating) with the pose and the framing?

Cause my thinking is more of the former where you give the photographer their own take of the idea. Curious to know how you do it.

like

My birthday is in two weeks and I just lost my job. 28 is either going to be fucking amazing or a complete disaster. I’m hoping for the former, but who the fuck knows these days.

like

Best resources to learn marketing strategy? I have a liberal arts background and need to fill the gap in my understand of the business fundamentals behind comms

like

Any advice for presenting somebody else’s work? I’ve been stretched thin on different projects but have to present in place of some of on vacation with little time to prepare.

like

Can someone explain how billable hours work? At a new agency and although I had to fill timesheets at my previous agencies, they were mainly used to ensure we weren’t over servicing a client/for setting the appropriate retainer for contract renewals. I asked ppl at my agency but haven’t gotten a proper explanation. I get the impression that billing to the agency admin code isn’t recommended, and my manager said he bills everything to client codes, but that doesn’t make sense to me .

like

Thoughts on negotiating a growth plan as part of a new job offer? Want to make sure there are contractual obligations set up for salary reviews and promotions, etc.

like

It's officially client holiday season...
🌲😒

likefunny

How big does an agency have to be to justify a CCO title?

like

If my work starts with the strategy, and I successfully demonstrate how the creative ties to the strategy, and we all agree the connection is clear, then how is the work still deemed "off-strategy"?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal