Handling Imposter Syndrome as a Developer

Introduction

Impostor syndrome is common among developers. That nagging inner voice telling you that you’re a fraud and don’t deserve to be here affects developers at all levels, from new grads to experienced coders and managers. I personally did not struggle with impostor syndrome early in my career but began to feel it more profoundly after many years working as a developer.

Common Signs

Some common signs you may be dealing with impostor syndrome as a developer:

• Feeling like a fraud — Despite your training, knowledge and achievements, you still feel inadequately prepared and incompetent. For me, this manifested more over time as I took on more complex projects that did not always go smoothly.

• Discounting your skills — You brush off compliments and accomplishments by attributing them to luck or charm instead of your coding ability. After years in my role, I started discounting my abilities more.

• Fear of failure — You worry about being exposed as a fraud and are anxious about failing, making mistakes or not meeting expectations. As my responsibilities grew, so did my perfectionism and fear of mistakes.

You are Good Enough

The key is to remind yourself that you would not have been hired and progressed in your career if you were not fully capable. Just because impostor syndrome starts creeping in does not negate your proven skills and accomplishments. Coping strategies and ideas you can use to manage feelings of being an imposter include:

• Talk about it — Speaking to colleagues who also feel like impostors can reduce isolation and validate your experience. Forming a support group has really helped me.

• Celebrate your wins — Keep note of projects completed, bugs fixed and skills gained. These prove you’re growing.

• Adopt a growth mindset — View abilities as flexible rather than fixed. Skills can be developed over time.

Final Thoughts

Impostor syndrome tries to undermine your self-confidence, but you can defeat it. Focus on growth, seek support, and give yourself credit for your accomplishments. You have the skills to thrive in your developer career. Keep persevering!

Originally published at http://timcoatesinsights.wordpress.com on September 18, 2023.