Career

Still feel like an impostor after 14 years in the business

Salesforce / EngGUyW45
Aug 22

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.

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  • Google / Engm0vefa5t
    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.
    Aug 220
  • McKinseyMoonface
    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.
    Aug 221
    • Salesforce / EngGUyW45OP
      I could never be a director, or even a manager. I don’t have the right skills for it, and I have really bad anxiety that would stand in my way. Don’t know how you guys do it.
      Aug 22
  • ServiceNowaj16
    Current tc? How is your growth so far
    Aug 220
  • GoogleRuthless
    K
    Aug 220
  • AmazonRemyC
    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
    Aug 220
  • Indeed / EngWrinklMgee
    Don’t worry you’re probably no more shit than 90% of the rest of people
    Aug 230

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