How did you deal (or are dealing) with Impostor Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you are not good enough to be a developer, despite having a lot of proof that you are. My question to you, is how have you dealt with it in the past or how you're dealing with it currently?

Shameless plug, but I did a podcast episode on this topic recently. My end solution was to feel more confident in yourself because chances are that you're more qualified than a majority of the people out there due to passion in what you do. I would love to do a follow-up episode based on people's responses here. Also if you have the Anchor app, you can do a call-in and I can feature your voice clip. anchor.fm/sunnysingh/episodes/aa0884

Since I do not have a degree and am self-taught, I dealt with this for many years. What got me out of it was another developer. When I asked him his opinion on my approach to a problem, he said, "You're a senior developer here at <company>. Do what you think is best." It was a defining moment for me. Ever since then, the feeling of being an imposter has been gone.

I think it's really interesting to find how common it is for those that are even senior developers to consider themselves imposters. Is there an overarching problem in emphasis on having a college degree? I personally believe self-taught developers are typically more qualified, but that doesn't seem to be a norm when it comes to companies hiring.

Those who are self-taught often feel like they're "winging it". They don't have solid training to fall back on. They're always wondering: am I doing it the RIGHT way? Sure, my way works, but is it the PROPER way. Is there a BETTER way? When will I be discovered that I'm not just as good as my resume says?

We are our own worst enemies.

I agree that, for the most part, self-taught developers have an advantage, not because they're more qualified, but because they have more of a passion, more of a curiosity, and are usually able to work through problems outside the confines of being book-learned.

There would always be people who are better than you. But that can not be the reason to not do to our best, or feel bad about ourselves.

My solution is to not feel bad about not being a good enough developer (whether or not you are), and instead use it as a motivation to be even better. Ask your colleagues what problem they are solving and how. Talk about things you are doing and you'll get so many suggestions. Isn't it inspiring that whether you are a junior developer, senior developer, CTO, you are still learning?

There is no milestone you can reach to proclaim that you are the best forever. So why bother and not do things anyway? Optimistic nihilism :)

I think the problem is that people who are very good developers can think that they are not. I completely agree that everyone is always learning, and no one can ever achieve full knowledge.

As I mentioned in my question, I was going to do a follow-up episode to feature some responses from here and Anchor call-ins. Wanted to thank everyone for your responses and here's the episode if you'd like to listen: anchor.fm/sunnysingh/episodes/ae8300 (and if you want to listen/subscribe via podcast: sunnysingh.io/podcast).

Of course still feel free to leave responses here.

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How did you deal (or are dealing) with Impostor Syndrome?

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How did you deal (or are dealing) with Impostor Syndrome?

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