I hope this is okay to post in this forum, I thought about posting in the self-esteem one...

In any case, does anyone else doubt their abilities in life? I am about to finish my doctoral degree, and am job hunting, and I see job posts and feel afraid to apply for jobs because I don't think I'll get them. I know the tough job climate is also related to the economy right now. Right now I'm employed for a job I'm overqualified for, but comfortable with. The current job is fine, but I do not make nearly enough to handle all my expenses and education loans. Through various jobs and my grad school training I constantly underestimated myself and I think at some points self-sabotaged myself because subconsciously, I feared success.

As a specific example, there is a pretty decent sounding job opening in the town I live. Although it is not *exactly* related to my background, it involves aspects of it and I have more education than they require. The application process requires a lot of effort (i.e. letters of recommendation, essays, etc) and I think "do I want to do all that work and not get an interview?") I also then do this thing where I convince myself I really wouldn't want to work there anyway, and it doesn't fit in with my background--but that's self-doubt talking! The fact of the matter is, I need a good job with a good salary and benefits. I've been out of health insurance for over a year, and I have massive loans and can't keep up with everything. I need to find something that will support me, my living expenses, and help me get on top of these loans. But I feel so intimidated by any job that is close to being worth it..

Does anyone else have this experience? Any advice or links to resources would be appreciated.