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Some days, running a small niche business feels like standing on an island – beautiful, but a little lonely. Most of the time, I love what I do. I love helping pets with mobility challenges and supporting the caregivers who adore them. But every now and then, a familiar whisper pops up: “Who do you think you are? Are you really good enough to be doing this?”
Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how long you’ve been in business, how many animals you’ve helped, or how passionate you are. It creeps in quietly, especially when you work alone. There’s no colleague in the next room to bounce ideas off, no team meeting to remind you that you’re part of something bigger.
When the wins happen, they’re yours alone to celebrate, but when doubts appear, they land squarely on your own shoulders too.
What I’ve learned is that the antidote to feeling like a fraud isn’t pretending to be more confident. It’s connection. Real, supportive, honest connection with people who understand exactly what your day looks like.
For me, maintaining relationships with others in similar roles has been essential – not optional. Fellow sole operators, rehab and mobility colleagues, and small pet-focused business owners help me reset my thinking when my inner critic is loud. They remind me that challenges don’t equal failure, and that small victories deserve celebrating.
And places like Vetanswers make that connection so much easier. Their unique membership base brings together people who genuinely understand the realities of our work. Sometimes it’s a resource they share, sometimes it’s a conversation, sometimes it’s simply knowing there’s a community of like-minded professionals out there. That sense of belonging can make all the difference on the days when imposter syndrome tries to take over.
Working in a niche space can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel isolating. That’s why I’m so grateful for the people and communities that keep me grounded, remind me I’m not alone, and encourage me to keep showing up, even on the days when doubt creeps in.
So, if you’re a sole operator, a small business owner, or someone carving out your own path: reach out.
Check in with a peer. Join a group. Lean into the communities available to you. We weren’t meant to do this alone, and thankfully, with networks like Vetanswers, we don’t have to.
Over a 35-year veterinary nursing career, Gillian Shippen developed a special interest in animal behaviour enrichment and in 2006 began her business Pets Need A Life Too, dedicated to behaviour enrichment. In 2012 after recognising a growing need in the pet industry, she incorporated mobility aids and in 2020, established HandicappedPets Australia. She believes that pets are family and whether disabled, injured and/or elderly, they deserve to live a happy and healthy life. HandicappedPets Australia offers the largest online selection of products to improve animal mobility. Gillian works with veterinary teams and pet owners to help keep pets mobile, safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy life! Be Happy. Be Together. Be Amazed. Be Moving. Be the Next Miracle.
Connect with Gillian:
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Thank you, Judy! It’s always such a relief—and a little surprising—to realise that these feelings of doubt and imposter syndrome are so common. I find it really helps to remember that connection matters, and that we don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. I’m so grateful for friends and colleagues like you who make the journey a little less lonely and a lot more encouraging.
Perhaps other community members might also share their experiences and how they manage these feelings—it would be wonderful to hear different perspectives and strategies.