How do you define success? Women and men historically experience a 'confidence gap'

Milena Nigam has a master’s degree. She’s worked as a team director in the nonprofit world. As a writer, one of her short stories is nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

Yet as she approaches age 50, she says she can’t help but look back at her career with regrets and a feeling of failure. Her husband, around the same age, only looks ahead to retirement.

Many women struggle with the same feelings as Nigam around success. It’s indicative of a confidence gap, or the phenomenon that men tend to overestimate their abilities and performance while women tend to underestimate both.

We want to hear from you: What does your relationship with success look like? If you’re a woman, do you find yourself doubting your abilities? Has imposter syndrome ever caused you to question your skills or performance?

Fill out the questionnaire below — and if you can, please send us a voice recording of your responses. You can also submit responses and voice recordings to letters@hereandnow.org.