Feeling like a 7-year-old at work can stem from various factors related to confidence, experience, and workplace environment. This sensation might be due to imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern where one doubts their accomplishments and harbors a fear of being exposed as a fraud. This can particularly occur in new roles or challenging settings where you may feel out of your depth.

Another factor could be the organizational culture. If the workplace is hierarchical or unsupportive, it may induce anxiety or insecurity, akin to the vulnerability experienced in childhood. Additionally, if you frequently encounter situations outside your comfort zone, you might feel overwhelmed and revert to a less confident state, similar to feeling lost or unsure as a child.

Personal tendencies, such as being overly self-critical or having perfectionist traits, can contribute to this feeling as well. These tendencies can make normal challenges feel daunting, diminishing self-assurance in your abilities.

Finally, a lack of skill alignment or passion for your job may cause a disconnect. If you’re not engaged or don’t feel competent in your tasks, it can result in feeling like you lack authority and control, much like being a child.

To overcome this, it might help to seek mentorship, focus on continuous learning and skill development, and work on self-awareness and self-compassion. Building a supportive network and addressing specific factors that trigger these feelings can also significantly help in easing these sentiments.