Life update: I took my qualifying exam last week and am waiting results. If all goes well, I can start my research, build a committee for said research, and become a doctoral candidate!
Sadly, the imposter syndrome anxiety has kicked in. I waver between exhausted apathy and frenzied panic. At the worst moments, I just want to give up since the pandemic has changed my doctoral experience so much that I’m afraid ppl will judge me and my degree as “lesser than.” I know that’s not true, but it’s still a fear I have.
I’m also at that weird point of anxiety and stress that I hesitate to ask for help because I don’t want to be a burden. Which is an issue because I have to ask professors to serve on a committee. 🙃
Also, I have no idea what I want to research. I have a general idea, but narrowing the focus to something I can actually work with is STRESSFUL. And I’m indecisive 🤷♀️.
Anyway, what’s y’all’s experience with academic imposter syndrome?