How Imposter Syndrome Limits Your Potential

Hi, Im a Junior Software Developer

Recently, one of our Pathway Directors (like a career coach) at Tech Elevator told us to start referring to ourselves as Junior Software Developers. Yikes As soon as those words left his mouth I could feel my heart rate begin to increase and my palms start to sweat. How can I refer to myself as something that Ive only just started learning a few months ago? I feel like I need to at least graduate from the program first or, even more, obtain a job as a junior dev before I can actually use that title for myself.

Im sure weve all felt it at one point or another. That feeling that we dont belong or havent earned a particular job or achievement. I felt it as a teacher and I feel it even more strongly now. But it wasnt until I ventured into software development that I first heard a term for this feeling. Just from listening to others talk about their careers or reading blogs it seems to be a common source of stress in the lives of developers.

Cue Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter Syndrome is a tricky monster and loves to rear its ugly face in the midst of venturing into a new career, especially. Its so easy to allow this feeling of inadequacy to creep its way into our minds and discourage us from pursuing new opportunities out of fear of seeming inexperienced. Personally, I can believe the lie that I have to know how to do something perfectly before I can claim that as a part of my identity. Ive been a writer for quite some time now but because Ive never published a novel I dont refer to myself as such because I dont want to seem like a failure. Its a self-preservation technique. If I dont take on writer or junior software developer as a part of who I am, then I wont fail if I dont become successful in those areas.

What Im beginning to discover is by limiting the way I view myself or the way I allow others to view me, Im actually limiting my potential. Ive already made up my mind that this isnt going to work out in the end so why set myself up for embarrassment? When, in reality, if I dont end up being a software developer for the rest of my life that is completely and entirely okay! I dont view my teaching career as a failure just because I decided to move on so why should software development be any different?

Transparency is Key.

Yesterday, we heard from a panel of Senior Developers and I was surprised to hear that many of them still struggle with feeling like they dont belong. These were established developers with years of experience and yet they could still relate with something that Im feeling right now. That was huge a relief! It was encouraging to hear that no one expects me to be a perfect developer in order to obtain a job. This industry is constantly changing and requires learning and relearning and even more learning!

I think well all feel inadequate at one point or another but talking about it makes it all the better. Knowing that there are others around you who are experiencing the same insecurities as you gives those insecurities less power. You realize that you aren't the exception. Someone has been where you are and they overcame it, so you can too! You begin to feel the pressure slip away and notice that youre able to breathe a little more easily. This minor adjustment can greatly improve your career outlook and how you view life in general. So, in the spirit of transparency and being open to failure, lets try this again. Hi, my name is Jeff and Im a Junior Software Developer.