I Stayed 10 Years to Prove I Was Good Enough (Part 1)

At 25 years old, I was the lead engineer responsible for compressed air systems on nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. I had a security clearance, a government pension, and the kind of career people spend decades trying to get.So why did I spend years convinced I wasn't good enough?In this episode, I'm sharing the story of the ten years I spent in defense engineering, from being handed major responsibility far too early, to a career-defining meeting that left me questioning my worth, to the health crisis that finally forced me to reconsider everything.We talk about:Being promoted without a pay increase and real supportWorkplace cultures that mistake criticism for mentorshipThe hidden psychology behind staying to "prove yourself"How imposter syndrome keeps talented people stuckThe physical toll of chronic workplace stressThe moment I realized I was allowed to leaveHow I ultimately reinvented my career and landed in pharmaI also reflect on Gloria Steinem's passing and the women whose work made careers like mine possible in the first place.If you've ever stayed in a job because you felt like you had something to prove, this episode is for you.#CareerChange #ImposterSyndrome #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInEngineering #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #ProfessionalGrowth