Impostor syndrome in software - and how to get over it.
Hey there! If you're reading this, you may have experienced impostor syndrome at some point in your career. Don't worry, you're not alone. Impostor syndrome is a common experience among software professionals, and it can be a real hindrance to your success and well-being.
Now I am not claiming to be an expert in this, there are MILLIONS of way more qualified people out there than me to talk about it, however as someone who’s experienced it in past and to this day still does - I just want to give my 2 cents in this article before pointing you towards some REALLY good resources.
So, what exactly is impostor syndrome? Simply put, it's the feeling that you're not as competent or qualified as others believe you to be. It's the fear that you'll be exposed as a fraud or an impostor, despite evidence to the contrary.
Impostor syndrome can show up in a variety of ways. You might feel like you're not smart enough or skilled enough to do your job, or that you don't deserve the recognition or success you've achieved. You might also have a hard time accepting compliments or believing in your own abilities.
Impostor syndrome can be especially common in the software industry, where the pace of change is fast and there's always something new to learn (especially with a new javascript every 2 minutes, hey yooooo). It's easy to feel like you're falling behind or that you don't measure up to your peers.
So, how did I overcome impostor syndrome? Here are a few strategies that might help:
- Recognize that impostor syndrome is a common experience. It's not just you! Knowing that you're not alone can help you feel less isolated and more able to cope with your feelings.
- Seek out mentors and role models. Surrounding yourself with supportive, accomplished people can help you see that success is possible and that you're on the right track.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes or feel unsure of yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it's okay to ask for help.
- Reframe your thinking. Instead of telling yourself that you're not good enough, try saying things like "I'm learning and growing" or "I'm doing the best I can."
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you're getting enough rest, exercise, and healthy food. Taking care of your physical and mental health can help you feel more resilient and better able to cope with stress.
If you're still struggling with impostor syndrome, you might find it helpful to listen to podcasts or read articles by people who have experienced it and overcome it. Here are a few resources you might find useful:
- The Impostor Syndrome Podcast
- Feeling Like an Impostor? Here's How to Overcome It
- The Science of Impostor Syndrome
- Engineer specific - Mental Health and Dev ft Dr. Courtney Tolinski - Depression, Anxiety, Imposter Syndrome, Focus, Motivation, Burnout
Heres the thing, I'm still struggling with this daily. I recently started a new job and feel out of my depth. But it's okay to be uncomfortable. It's okay to feel like you don't know everything. In fact, it's a normal part of learning and growing. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself, to keep asking for help when you need it, and to be kind to yourself along the way.
Remember, you're not an impostor. You're a talented, capable software professional, and you deserve to be where you are. Keep believing in yourself and you'll go far.
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