Impostor syndrome has been written about - where managers in corporate life feel that they are unworthy of the job they have been given and panic every day about how to do it. I wrote this in response to patterjack's poem "Exec". This is what it is like to be the scary woman with the laser pointer.
And I got chatted up by big Rhodri at the bar where Brett picked up Alice. He coaxed me into doing it as a rondeau.
IMPOSTOR SYNDROME
They’ll find me out, perhaps today
that I’m not fit to earn this pay.
My calculations take too long
my judgement calls may all be wrong
they’ll notice my attention stray.
I have to watch each word I say
stay buttoned down, tight-lipped and pray
that no-one knows I don’t belong.
They’ll find me out.
Professional in every way
in the appearance I display,
my presentation skills aren’t strong
the faces in the boardroom throng
my greatest fear - perhaps today
They’ll find me out.
|
Amazing
Written by Flexy5000 (7 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
Good piece. Well written and true.
I like the second sentence in the second stanza. "stay buttoned down, tight-lipped and pray". for how long? Miss big money or maybe Mr.
Well done Veronica. |
Nice One!
Written by Katanga (1554 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
Great expression and structure, which you make appear effortless!
I must look into this 'rondeau' thing - forgive my ignorance!
Gosh, someone could do e really dark one on 'Impostor Syndrome', where what is being imposted (?!) on is Life itself, rather than a job. Would make grim stuff indeed!
How about it?
Cheers!
John |
Written by Brett (1009 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
My V, your form is perfect - but don't listen to Rhodri Rondeau; drinks mailbu, you know.
Tidy!
Cheers |
Written by Brett (1009 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
| Sorry - meant 'malibu' - not sure what I've been drinking! |
On form!
Written by Katanga (1554 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
My goodness yes, Veronica!
Brett - try a glass of Ubilam! Powerful stuff! |
Written by Phil (7014 comments posted) 13th May 2008 |
Like this - particularly how the rhythm stops dead in places only to start again. I don't know if that's the form or you - but it worked well.
Phil |
Written by mr_soul (126 comments posted) 14th May 2008 |
Liked this Veronica, agree with Phil, it was a weird rhythm but it worked well. Something I've never really seen before but I like it very much.
I'm sure there's hundreds of people across the globe who could relate to this. Perhaps suitable for a few members of Northern Rock and the like lol.
Well done |
Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3590 comments posted) 14th May 2008 |
I did like this,it had some very telling phrases. I won't comment on the structure, I'll just show myself up.
I hadn't heard of the the title before. They have a phrase for everything now, don't they? It seems every area of work has to have it's own jargon to confound the outsiders. I like them when they are funny. My brother calls the tech support at his place Seagulls because they just barge in, make a lot of noise, shit on everyone and then they're gone.
I learn a little every day
jane |
Written by mia_ms_kim (1057 comments posted) 14th May 2008 |
I've heard of this syndrome. Actually I know a couple of competent women in positions of authority (not managers, but equivalent well-paying positions) to whom this is a reality. They never fail to puzzle me. But then there are people in actual "fake" positions, who feel perfectly fine with it. Frankly there are positions in corporations, that if they disappeared no one would notice or everyone would sigh in relief!
Mia  |
Written by Fledermaus (3506 comments posted) 16th May 2008 |
| Your narrator could always become a politician. Another good poem. |
agree
Written by patterjack (1435 comments posted) 18th May 2008 |
with the comments above -- would have been in earlier but materia domestica got in the way
I could have been lucky-- the ladies in such positions I have met appeared never less than confident -- though one was a trifle incompetent, who never really finished the tasks in hand. I was her second in command and was happy to complete them. One other was a demon and a joy to work with !
Nevertheless in the end all were pleasantly charming and good to work for.
patterjack |
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