Feeling like a fraud

[BananaSlug22]

I started interning at a government agency a few months ago and while I enjoy learning I feel like there is too much to absorb. i’ve been reassured many times by coworkers but I feel like my memory is just not good. Ever since I was a kid I have struggled with listening and remembering things I’m told. I’m worried that if I apply to a position at the agency I might not actually be able to do my job and the problem is that 80% of the job is listening to the public and finding answers for them. I have already been on multiple phone shifts and on multiple occasions I have completely spaced out while they were talking to me. I don’t know if it’s ADHD or just my anxiety clouding my brain but I’m sick of it. Does anyone have any advice?

[LazyXrayEyes2255]

Do you think it would help, if you lead the conversation and asked the questions you want answered and therefore increase your concentration?

[BigCatSkills]

None of us are perfect. We all do our jobs to the best of our ability. Maybe you find a position that's a better fit at this agency, or maybe you dont. Statistically, the time it takes to master a job (know 90%+ of what a job entails) is 11 years. On the one hand, you have time to learn. On the other, one day, what will matter most isnt that you were a perfect fit for this job, but the knowledge you took away from it into your next career.

[BigCatSkills in reply to BigCatSkills]

I looked it up. It's 7 years. The expectation is that most people, given 7 years to mastery, will have somewhere around 11 careers in their lifetimes.

[LoveforAll41]

Howdy BananaSlug, I am sorry you are having work doubts. Work is hard for me to have issues with as I get a large sense of self-worth from it, but that is an aside.

Is this job something you enjoy and care about? Then I 100% think you should take to heart your superiors input that you're doing well and carry on. They'll know you after an internship and can decide for themselves if you're worth hiring. If you care, and it seems you do, you'll find a way to make it work. There are probably books about focus and such and ADHD helps, but I am not familiar with them. I just want to get across that if you care about the work you are in you can make it work, maybe recordings you can play back or what I don't know. But you got this. ☮️

[GreenGrass24]

I completely understand what you’re feeling — I’ve been in similar situations where I felt overwhelmed, especially when there was a lot to take in and remember. For me, ADHD made listening and retaining information really difficult, and anxiety only made it worse.

Active Listening Techniques: Repeating key details back to the caller or summarizing their request helps me stay engaged and process the information better. For example, saying something like "Just to confirm, you're asking about..." helps my brain stay focused. Note-Taking Systems: I keep a notebook or digital notes open during calls and jot down keywords or short phrases — even if I’m not sure I’ll need them. This helps me refocus if my mind starts to wander. Don’t be too hard on yourself — learning curves are tough, especially when anxiety kicks in. With the right strategies, you can absolutely handle this. 💙

[BananaSlug22]

Thanks everyone! I just interviewed for a position and I’ve been handling calls a lot better. I’ve been trying to be more of an active listener and it’s helped a lot. Now I wait to hear back if I got the job…