Is it normal to be in shock about landing my dream career as a software developer?
As the title says, I landed my first role a month ago and still can’t believe I am being paid to write code. It’s been a hobby forever and I fancied upskilling and it actually happened.
I am a relative fuck up and I guess a late bloomer.
Don't let self doubt hold you back. You might run into imposter syndrome, but it turns out all of us feel like fraudulent adults running around doing things we aren't entirely sure we are qualified for. Just pretend you are 💯 able to do it and the rest will work itself out.
Thanks. Imposter syndrome hits hard.
I will front like a real one.
Congratulations!
Thanks.
That’s wonderful. Congratulations! I was a late bloomer as well. No one prepared me for life. I had to figure it out myself. I’m old now and still enjoy figuring things out. I hope all the best for you.
Thank you.
Late bloomers unite.
I too was unprepared for life as my mother was unprepared herself and thus the cycle continues.
I guess we can only do what we can do. I was blessed with boundless curiosity, even if it took a few decades to aim that at something useful.
Yes, bountiful curiosity can help you to find a better path. I finally received my PhD at 38 only to discover that my family thought it was a waste of time, especially if I wanted to do research. Because research is worthless. I just wish I had understood more when I was raising my kids so I could prepare them better. They swear to me that they are ok despite my laisez faire parenting.
Congratulations and welcome to the industry!
So, what are your first impressions? Is there something so far that has surprised you about the job?
Thanks.
Yeah so much has surprised me.
Mainly I would say it’s the shock at the amount of stuff my SE knows. Like I know my stuff and in two bootcamps I did I was far and above the rest of them and even some tutors. Yet here I am nothing lol.
How hard it is to get used to conventions. So I’m doing TS React and C# .net. I know react but this app is something else. So many custom hooks. I was sure on day one I was hired by mistake. It’s getting easier.
This last one is hard for me to get to grips with, but there are no timescales (only 6 employees). I get given something to do and left to it. I’ll be wondering am I doing it right is it taking too long but nobody ever comes for an update. The boss is busy on other projects and this being a new one isn’t due for a while.
It’s just difficult as I’m used to working shitty jobs where you are pestered all the time.
Hmm... A few thoughts based on my somewhat extensive experience (~25 years working in this industry now).
How hard it is to get used to conventions. So I’m doing TS React and C# .net. I know react but this app is something else. So many custom hooks.
There are two things here. One is getting used to the conventions -- that's something you actually pick up fairly quickly after you've done it a while because you start seeing the same (or nearly the same) conventions in new locations. The other is getting used to a new codebase you haven't worked in before -- and that one never goes away. As far as I can tell it ALWAYS takes a while to get familiar enough with a new codebase to feel comfortable in it.
there are no timescales (only 6 employees). I get given something to do and left to it. I’ll be wondering am I doing it right is it taking too long but nobody ever comes for an update
That can be a bit of a red flag. For the moment, while you are brand new, just take advantage of it. But in the longer term you probably want to push for some clearly expressed expectations, or else set some yourself. A project with no dates tends to float along blithely for some time until one day someone suddenly decides it's 3 weeks overdue and has to be finished by tomorrow or heads will roll! Once you have enough experience to be confident in your estimates, you'll probably want to head this off by creating estimates even if they aren't requested.
It’s just difficult as I’m used to working shitty jobs where you are pestered all the time.
And THAT, unfortunately, isn't really a feature of the job so much as a feature of having a good boss. Poor tech managers will micromanage and pester you all the time; skilled tech managers will set clear expectations then let you handle it yourself. You likely won't always get a manager who does this well but you should enjoy it while you have it.
A little bit, absolutely! Not to be too cynical but eventually this feeling will wane a bit. 7yrs in I still think I have a cool/chill job (dev)—and comparatively I make “good” money—but it’s still a job; I don’t code in my free time anymore. Once I’m done for the day I’d rather not look at a screen any more.
This all said, congrats!!
I am the same. I used to code all day just silly things. Now not so much.
I like to walk when not working as work makes me think too much haha.
Thanks dude. Yeah the market was disheartening really. Just need to hit that 3 month probation to relax.
I am conscious of lifestyle creep, although I do live frugally who knows what will happen.
Hell's yeah it is. The good news is: it only gets better! A career will have hickups, good years and bad. But the more you put into it, the more software development gives back. And I don't mean a sense of self worth. Raises, promptions, bigger projects, more hardware, and then opportunities in management spheres, architecture, consulating, contracting, bidding, and you name it - tech is doing it all in the future
And that future is ahead of you too. Enjoy today! Tomorrow may never come, but if it does, it comes at your pace as of right now
You have a right to that job! Everyone gets a bit of Imposter Syndrome every now and then. The realization that the entire World is run, every day, and built up, for centuries, by average people like you, and yet it continues to function relatively well. We are all out here just doing our best, day by day, just trying to do something that makes the World a slightly better place.
Yeah that’s a scary thought that nobody really has life down and we all just plod along.
It’s hard to remember this sometimes.
Congrats! I was in a similar boat some years ago and yes, it's normal. I remember how nervous I was the days before I would start because I was sure they'll change their mind last minute.
Yes. Had those thoughts.
I thought I would get here and they’d be like only joking bro.
After battling with depression for 6 years, my life turned around. In just under a year, I went from having suicidal thoughts to graduating and landing one of the best jobs in my entire country.
It took me a while to fully accept that good things can happen to me, I think it was almost an entire year before I was in a normal mental state.
Take a deep breath, understand what is the minimum required from you on your new job, do not fall below that, and just let the blissful feelings come in. Enjoy this moment, perhaps years down the line, on a really tough day, you'll remember your current mood and be happy even in face of hardships.
Congrats on finally it to your dream :)
I can relate.
Years of depression, undiagnosed ADHD (now diagnosed and medicated). I would wallow in despair for weeks on end.
It’s crazy how a purpose can help really.
"Fix this code." "WTF? This code sucks." "Please don't quit, I said. I have so many more downers to share."
Proud of you dude!