The Hidden Struggles of Growing in Tech

Breaking into tech sounds exciting—high salaries, remote work, endless opportunities. But what people don’t talk about enough are the struggles that come with it. Whether you’re learning to code, freelancing, or trying to land a full-time role, the journey is full of challenges. Here’s my personal experience navigating these struggles and what I’ve learned along the way.

1. The Overwhelming Feeling of “Too Much to Learn”

When I first got into tech, I felt like I was drowning in information. JavaScript alone has so many concepts—closures, promises, event loops. Then there’s frameworks, libraries, DevOps, system design… It never ends.

How I managed it:

I realized that trying to learn everything at once was impossible. Instead, I focused on one skill at a time—deep-diving into frontend development, building real projects, and gaining confidence before moving to the next thing.

2. Impostor Syndrome—Feeling Like I’ll Never Be “Good Enough”

Even after learning the fundamentals and building projects, I still felt like I wasn’t ready. Seeing other developers on Twitter or LinkedIn talking about advanced topics made me doubt my skills.

How I managed it:

I started documenting my journey—whether it was small wins or things I struggled with. The more I shared, the more I realized that everyone in tech has gaps in their knowledge. Tech moves fast, and no one knows everything. The key is to keep learning and improving.

3. Landing a Job or Getting Clients Feels Impossible

Applying for jobs or freelancing gigs is tough. Sometimes, I’d send out dozens of applications and hear nothing back. Other times, I’d get interviews but struggle to pass technical tests.

How I managed it:

I stopped relying solely on applications. Instead, I focused on building a strong online presence—sharing my knowledge, engaging in tech communities, and showcasing my work. Once I started posting valuable content, opportunities started coming to me.

4. Burnout and the Pressure to Always Be Learning

In tech, there’s this expectation that you should always be coding, learning new frameworks, or grinding LeetCode. But the truth is, burnout is real. I’ve had moments where I felt exhausted and uninspired.

How I managed it:

I gave myself permission to take breaks without guilt. Sometimes, stepping away for a while helps bring back motivation. I also learned to focus on learning what actually matters—not just chasing trends.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling in tech, you’re not alone. Everyone faces doubts, rejections, and roadblocks. The key is to stay consistent, keep learning, and find your own pace. Tech is a long-term game, and growth comes with time.

Have you faced any struggles in tech? Let’s talk about it in the comments.