The Start
Like many others, I had an interest in STEM and figured software development was the obvious career path. I thought learning to code would automatically lead to greatness. But reality hit hard — I struggled, I failed classes, and at times, I questioned if I was even cut out for this.
Coding became a chore. I didn’t enjoy it anymore, but I was too deep into my major to quit. Besides, this was all I knew. So I pushed forward and graduated, barely scraping by.
The Journey
Graduating felt like a fresh start. I thought, at least I can get a job in tech, work on cool projects, and finally prove myself. But life had other plans.
• I applied for jobs and landed one in tech, but I wasn’t coding.
• I realized I had a massive amount of debt, so I picked up a second job.
• Then a third job.
• Then… I got scammed.
• Then… I got COVID.
All of this happened within the first two years after college. I was juggling three jobs, and only one of them was in tech — where I wasn’t even coding. It felt like I was stuck.
The Wins
I wanted better for myself, so I stepped out of my comfort zone.
• I joined a community called Grammerhub on discord and relearned how to code.
• I worked on improving my skills and breaking into the industry properly.
• I earned an Azure certification — a huge win.
• I studied for another certification… and failed.
• I took it again… and failed, but with a better score.
• I tried a third time — and finally passed.
• I landed a new job where I actually get to code.
The Lesson
Through all of this, I realized one simple truth: failure is part of the process. As developers, we break things, debug, and try again. Learning to embrace failure — not fear it — is the key to growth. Every setback is just another lesson that makes us better.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling as a developer, just know: failure isn’t the end. It’s proof that you’re learning. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks, and don’t give up. Instead, take it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
FAQs
Q: What are some tips for overcoming imposter syndrome as a developer?
A: One way to overcome imposter syndrome is to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Q: How can I deal with the feeling of being stuck in my coding journey?
A: Take a step back, assess your situation, and identify what’s holding you back. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and focus on making progress one step at a time.
Q: What are some resources for learning to code?
A: There are many online resources available for learning to code, including coding communities, tutorials, and online courses. Some popular options include FreeCodeCamp, Codecademy, and Udemy.
