adminIf you’ve ever gotten employed as a freelancer and immediately wondered, “Am I good enough for this? “, you’re not alone. That ever-present feeling of self-doubt that you believe your success is not due to ability is what is known as imposter syndrome. For most African freelancers who are settling into the global market, such a feeling can be overwhelming, but fighting imposter syndrome is not so hard.
The competition is tight, customers are demanding, and sometimes the cultural and geographical gaps leave you feeling like you are not truly deserving of that seat at the table.
But the truth is this: you do belong here, you have a place, and you deserve everything good because you must believe that your work ethic, talent, and tenacity brought you this far. Let’s take a deep look into the reality of transcending imposter syndrome, the impact of imposter syndrome on your self-esteem, and practical self-esteem improvement tips so that you can shine in confidence as an African freelancer.
Fighting Imposter Syndrome: Why It Strikes African Freelancers Hard
Freelancing isn’t easy for anyone, but African freelancers have some unique challenges that can give rise to imposter syndrome:
- Cultural Bias: Some clients undervalue African work or anticipate it to be cheaper. Many African freelancers struggle to reconcile their professional identities with their authentic African identities. When you see this, you start doubting your worth.
- Global Competition: You’re competing against freelancers from across the world, most of whom have better exposure to resources, training, or visibility. This knowledge makes African freelancers feel undervalued.
- Isolation: Working remotely in Lagos, Nairobi, or Accra can be lonely. If you don’t have a strong support system of freelancers, doubts come very naturally. Imagine trying to navigate the world of freelancing all by yourself; it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with doubt.
- Payment & Recognition Problems: Being paid slowly or getting ghosted by clients after delivering work can make you question whether your work was worth it.
All these events will only bring thoughts like, “Maybe I’m not as good as they believe,” but these things are not true.
How Not Fighting Imposter Syndrome Affects Your Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the level at which you regard yourself positively and believe in your abilities. When imposter syndrome begins, your self-esteem will be the first to dive.
Amongst others, you might:
- Underestimate your services because you don’t feel like you are worth more pay. This includes reducing your service rates to appease clients.
- Avoid applying for big projects, assuming you’re “not qualified.”
- Overwork yourself, trying to prove your worth.
- Compare yourself to others online, feeling like you’ll never catch up.
The danger is that low self-esteem doesn’t just affect your freelance career; before you know it, it begins to seep into your personal life, relationships, and eventually your happiness. That’s why fighting imposter syndrome isn’t just about making more money; it’s about protecting your freelance career.
Practical Ways of Fighting Imposter Syndrome
The good news about this is that imposter syndrome isn’t permanent. With a few steps highlighted below, you can fight off self-doubt and develop confidence in your freelance work. Here are some ways to boost self-esteem as an African freelancer:
1. Celebrate Small Wins
One of the easiest ways to fight imposter syndrome is to bask in your triumphs, even the small ones. Did you hit a deadline on a project? Did you get a good review recently? Land your first international client? Write it down.
Keep a “win journal” where you record all your successes. On those cloudy days, read through it. This is proof that you are no imposter and that you’re skilled and growing.
2. Charge What You’re Worth
Underpricing your freelance services is one of the fastest routes to expressing that you are undervalued. Remember, cheap doesn’t equal worth. Do market research, see what others in your field are charging, and price yourself fairly.
If a client thinks you’re too expensive, it doesn’t mean you’re not worth it; take it as that they’re not your client. Charging what you’re worth builds both income and confidence.
3. Build a Support Network
Freelancing is lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Join active African freelancer communities online. Share your struggles, and you’ll discover in no time that you’re not the only one going through imposter syndrome.
Support groups give encouragement, responsibility, and genuine advice. Sometimes, all someone wants is to hear a fellow freelancer tell them, they’ve been there too, and it gets better.
4. Rephrase Negative Thoughts
Instead of letting your inner critic win, rephrase the narrative.
- Rather than say “I got lucky with this client,” say “I earned this client by showcasing my skills.”
- Instead of “I’m not as good as that freelancer online.” Say: “I’m on my journey, and I’m improving every day.”
5. Invest in Skill Growth
Another gigantic imposter syndrome trigger is the feeling of being “behind.” Push back by making time to learn and grow. The way to keep fighting imposter syndrome as an African freelancer is to take online courses, YouTube tutorials, webinars, or read books on your profession.
Skill development not only sharpens your craft, but it also reminds you that you do know what you’re doing. It’s one of the most practical ways to build self-esteem because knowledge is power.
6. Request Feedback, Not Validation
There is a difference between requesting validation, “Please tell me that I’m good enough,” and requesting feedback, “What can I improve on?”. Constructive feedback enables you to grow without tying your self-worth to continuous approvals by clients.
When you receive good feedback, allow it to stick. When you receive constructive criticism, see it as a chance, not proof that you’re a fake.
7. Notice Cultural Value
As an African freelancer, your cultural background is not a disadvantage; it’s a strength. The creativity, storytelling, and resilience rooted in African culture often make freelancers from the continent uniquely valuable.
Instead of hiding where you’re from, embrace it, build from it, and stand out by it. Clients are increasingly looking for diverse perspectives, and your voice matters.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome says you don’t belong, but here’s the hard truth: you do. Every African freelancer holding their ground in the global digital economy is a testament to their tenacity, talent, and dedication to overcoming imposter syndrome in the international freelance space.
Your skills are real, your achievements are earned, and your journey is true. By prioritizing self-esteem and fighting imposter syndrome on purpose, you can silence the lie of self-doubt and take your place in the freelance world.
Remember, you’re not an imposter; you’re the future of freelancing.
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Olabanke Olanrewaju