Hi friends. I’ve been getting A LOT of questions/comments about how you all think you’re getting Punk’d when it comes to your careers. So I’m calling a mandatory all-hands meeting right now to assure you that Ashton Kutcher is nowhere in sight.

Before we jump into things, and in the spirit of the ~vibe~ of today’s newsletter, may I suggest pairing what you’re about to read with Miley Cyrus's new single? No one is doing it like Miley these days.

—Rod

How to Face Your Own Imposter Syndrome

One time in an end-of-year review, I scored “highly effective” instead of “exceptional” and it immediately sent me into a spiral.

“You know exactly what you’re doing, but still don’t believe in yourself,” my boss said.

I lacked confidence. And not in a cute and quirky way. In a “this is actually impacting my job performance and my raise for the year” way.

But my boss was right. I was haunted by the idea that I didn’t deserve my job and couldn’t keep up with my talented coworkers. Like “avoidant attachment style” or “the millennial pause,” what I was really experiencing was something I wouldn’t be able to label until I got on TikTok…

It was imposter syndrome. Crippling self-doubt, often linked to anxiety and depression, a real kick in the shins to handle—the whole nine yards. And it turns out? My imposter syndrome (and probably yours too) was rooted in three very big lies I was telling myself:

 Lie 1 
I was accidentally hired. One time, I got a phone call inviting me to a big red carpet event, and I immediately asked them if they had the wrong number.

 Truth 
I had a community of supporters (ily). I was prepared. They didn’t confuse me with another Rod from TikTok. So despite not knowing what to do with my hands in photos, I pushed my doubts aside for the night and had a great time.

 Lie 2 
Everyone is better than I am at this.They’ve got better instincts or a skillset I can’t seem to master (read: writing emails without exclamation points).

 Truth 
Every grandparent who’s told you “comparison is the thief of joy” has been right. Sure, your coworkers have valuable skills, but remember that everyone brings their own unique experience to a team. We’re all on our own paths, no matter what social media tells you. Just because someone is Dyson Airwrapping their hair while walking a tightrope across the Grand Canyon doesn’t mean you have to do it too!

 Lie 3 
I can’t make mistakes. I once sent an email invitation out to thousands of people with the wrong date and didn’t notice until my boss called me out…and I was convinced that meant curtains on this whole “career” thing.

 Truth 
Was I embarrassed that I had to send a correction email? Maybe. Did I get fired? No. Embarrassment doesn’t last forever. It’s okay to mess up—that’s how lessons are learned.

Bottom line: Your boss isn’t going to fire you, your coworker isn’t mad at you, and you aren’t someone’s manager by accident. Don’t let your inner voice of doubt derail your confidence and convince you otherwise.

P.S. If you want to hear me talk about this even more, I did an interview about it with Wondermind last month. I didn’t compare myself to Hannah Montana there, but the vibes were still great.

Things to Slack your work besties

…when you wake up from your midday power nap.

A hot new bombshell enters the villa. The sister of quiet quitting, “chaotic working” is the latest workplace trend that says IDGAF loud & clear.

If you want to wake up on the right side of the bed, Tabitha Brown’s TikTok is a good place to start. 💕

Hailey Bieber’s recent nepo baby clap back has me thinking about the slogan tees of yesteryear. And how maybe we should bring them back?? Enjoy this and then tell us who wore it best back in the day.

That’s all for today! I’ll see you back on Friday for more of your extremely relatable and unhinged Qs. Love you, mean it.

—Rod