Still feel like an impostor after 14 years in the business

Question

Currently an SMTS at Salesforce. Been doing software engineering, mostly front end, for the past 14 years.

I feel like I’m nowhere near where I should be skill-wise. Every project I’m on, I feel like I’m in over my head.

How do I get out of this rut? I have serious fears that I won’t make it to retirement in this job.

Moonface · Accepted Answer

Dude welcome to the club. I’ve been feeling like a phony even though I was a top 1% performer at McKinsey and now a director at a tech firm. I always feel like I’ll get found out and fired. I also question what these companies see in me on a daily basis.

m0vefa5t · Answer

You've made it 14 years, you'll make it 14 more. If fear kept you going for 14 years it'll probably keep you going for 14 more.

Ruthless · Answer

K

WrinklMgee · Answer

Don’t worry you’re probably no more shit than 90% of the rest of people

RemyC · Answer

Hang in there, you’re not the only one. I think it’s ok to feel like a phony if you’re still performing and others believe in you.

What’s worse is not achieving what you can for fear of feeling like a phony. Basically, letting that fear hold you back.

Also, therapy and beta blockers help with anxiety. I take a very low dose (10mg) a couple times a day, but they’re safe and not habit forming like benzodiazepine. Talk to your doc

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Still feel like an impostor after 14 years in the business

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