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Discussion on: Doing my bit to tackle imposter syndrome

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miketalbot profile image
Mike Talbot ⭐

I'd be happy to write something if it would help: been in the business 37 years, sold hundreds of millions of dollars of software I've designed, and still have impostor syndrome. I actually think it's ok to challenge yourself due to feeling like everyone knows more, so long as you aren't paralyzed by it - which is a problem I've struggled with.

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catmcgeecode profile image
Cat McGee

That would be great Mike! I'll follow you on DEV so we can message about this

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nombrekeff profile image
Keff

An excellent way to brag lol, just kidding :P

I agree, I have just been in the business for five years, but worked with quite a few veterans of the industry and almost all of them suffer from it, the difference is what you say, don't get paralyzed and don't let it affect your position too much.

I also suffer from it quite a bit, as I got my job by luck and have not studied Computer science or Software engineering. But after getting to now people who have, I can tell you degrees don't mean much, although they can help.

One thing I ask to myself anytime I have Impostor Syndrome is:

"Who am I comparing myself with?"

Is it somebody with the same background as me, or is it a developer that has been in the business for 30+ years?

Of course, you can't compare to the later. You don't have 30 odd years of experience. Most times, you're comparing pears with apples.

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catmcgeecode profile image
Cat McGee

This is great advice.

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nombrekeff profile image
Keff

It's worked for me! Hope it helps you as well :)