21

So I need some advice from some fellow devs here...

I recently accepted a job offer at a new company and I'll be leaving my place of work for the last 11 years. I'm a senior level dev who comes from a place where software is more of a secondary function and the skills of my peers are very... Atypical of most software developers.

My interview was ok, but I passed the mark barely - in that they recognize I'm rusty and have some gaps to shore up, but have decided to give me an offer anyway. I'm taking a "step down" to enter in as a level below senior to get my foot in the door of a real tech company.

I've got myself convinced I'm setting myself up to fail, despite being told by people that work there that they encourage mistakes and that they wouldn't be offering me a position if they didn't think I'd be successful.

Is it typical to feel inadequate and worried you'll be fired prematurely for underperformance? I've had little to no experience in a fast paced tech job so I have little to refer to. I was a very high performer where I'm coming from, but that's hard to equate to where I'm going. It seems like classic "impostor syndrome".

I've not even started there yet but I'm terrified my anxiety will get the better of me before I even have my first day there. Anyone out there have any advice?

I'm excited for this new opportunity but I can't seem to shake the fear of the unknown.

Comments
  • 10
    Yes, it's normal. Especially for someone who's been at the same place for 11 years. It can feel like you've been in a bubble where, outside, the world is pacing and progressing faster than you can keep up.

    But it's normally not true.
    You will be surprised that all the Buzzwords they use are normally just talk. If they happen to run all the latest tech, they need someone not so refreshed to hold them back and question what they do.

    First weeks will feel weird, full of regrets, like a breakup with the old company, but you'll fit in fine - as long as you are being you and getting along with your colleagues.

    Don't worry about the imposter syndrome, it's normal, it will be great!
  • 2
    Totally normal :) I started a data management job last year that was outside my sphere of experience, and felt a lot of anxiety about being 'found out', but in reality it was just jitters and there was nothing to worry about.
  • 0
    Well, it's after 11 years no worries :)
  • 0
    Thank you everyone, I will have to share my experiences with you as this unfolds.
Add Comment