Why do I feel like I'm pretending to be someone else at work?

Feeling like you're pretending to be someone else at work is incredibly common and often reflects the complex navigation required in professional environments that may not align with your natural personality or values. Many people develop work personas as protective strategies - perhaps you're naturally introverted but feel pressure to be outgoing, or you're creative but work in a rigid corporate environment. This adaptation isn't necessarily unhealthy; some level of professional adjustment is normal and even beneficial. However, when the gap between your authentic self and work persona becomes too wide, it can lead to exhaustion, Anxiety disorder, and a sense of living a double life. This feeling often intensifies in toxic work cultures that don't value authenticity, diversity of thought, or individual strengths. You might find yourself adopting speech patterns, interests, or behaviors that feel foreign to maintain acceptance or advancement. The emotional labor of constant performance is draining and can lead to Occupational burnout or identity development confusion. Consider whether this persona serves you or simply reflects workplace pressure to conform. Sometimes the issue isn't that you're being fake, but that your workplace doesn't create space for different personality types or working styles. Reflect on which aspects of your work persona feel protective versus performative. Can you gradually introduce more authentic elements while maintaining professionalism? Sometimes small changes - like sharing a genuine interest or speaking up about your working style preferences - can help bridge the gap. If the disconnect feels too severe, it might signal a need to find work environments that better align with your values and natural strengths.