As aaron points out, this is something most of us suffer from. Not only in this industry though, in most other creative/tecnical careers it seems to happen too.
Something that has helped me quite a bit has been learning new things, and improving the ones I already know. This way I feel I'm progressing, as at times you might feel stuck and without a clear vision of the future. You might think "Will I be doing this for ever??" Probably not. By learning new stuff you can refresh you mind, and feel like your accomplishing something. Not to say, you're not doing that now
Also, don't feel like you need to be the best developer/designer in the world, not everyone wants to nor should they be. There's this idea that every developer should be aiming to work on FAANG and so on. That's crap, you can be a junior/mid-level dev for your entire career. We need them, they are really valuable.
And remember, the rain does not last forever, it will be sunny again soon!!!
Best of luck, and keep on learning and enjoying what you do!!!!
Front End Developer & Graphics Designer from India, dedicated to build functional & creative solutions in web development industry. Currently looking for remote opportunities.
I agree with what you said Keff but don't you think given the time (5+ years) I have spent in this field I should have had achieved more skills. Coz when I see job postings of other companies I can't seem to fit myself right in (personally I found that depressing) and I'm having this career dilemma now.
Let me give you a tip, stop comparing to others, compare the you of the present with you of the past, comparison is the enemy of self esteem and self-worth. I know it can be hard, believe me. I've been struggling for years with this too. Not only in the industry, but also in sport. I'm a climber, and I did compare myself to other climbers, which made me feel like I was not worth it, and I would never become good enough. This hada. big impact on my climbing, and forced myself to stop doing comparing myself. Since then I've felt really secure and had more motivation to climb.
There are countless posts on DEV.to talking about this if you want to read more. I can just recommend what's worked for me.
don't you think given the time (5+ years) I have spent in this field I should have had achieved more skills
This seems like just a preconception you have forced on yourself, who says that you SHOULD have more skills? Maybe you're ok with the skillset you have, otherwise just keep learning. It's the only way to gain skills.
when I see job postings of other companies I can't seem to fit myself right in
Is it you that feels this way? or have you been rejected from the companies?
One solution is to do some kind of internship, you can learn a lot with them!
PD: You've come to the correct place to talk about this, I haven't found a more welcoming and empathic community. People here are willing to help and share their experiences.
Cheers, hope you found the tips useful! Feel free to ask me anything!
Front End Developer & Graphics Designer from India, dedicated to build functional & creative solutions in web development industry. Currently looking for remote opportunities.
Yeah Keff you are right comparing myself won't do any good.
Talking with you guys has bring positive vibes to me. Feeling motivated now. ....Really, community here is welcoming and empathic that only bcoz members like you and @aarone4 are here. Keep helping... keep contributing 👍🏻 More power to you 💪🏻 😊
As aaron points out, this is something most of us suffer from. Not only in this industry though, in most other creative/tecnical careers it seems to happen too.
Something that has helped me quite a bit has been learning new things, and improving the ones I already know. This way I feel I'm progressing, as at times you might feel stuck and without a clear vision of the future. You might think "Will I be doing this for ever??" Probably not. By learning new stuff you can refresh you mind, and feel like your accomplishing something. Not to say, you're not doing that now
Also, don't feel like you need to be the best developer/designer in the world, not everyone wants to nor should they be. There's this idea that every developer should be aiming to work on FAANG and so on. That's crap, you can be a junior/mid-level dev for your entire career. We need them, they are really valuable.
And remember, the rain does not last forever, it will be sunny again soon!!!
Best of luck, and keep on learning and enjoying what you do!!!!
I agree with what you said Keff but don't you think given the time (5+ years) I have spent in this field I should have had achieved more skills. Coz when I see job postings of other companies I can't seem to fit myself right in (personally I found that depressing) and I'm having this career dilemma now.
I feel you man! been there, felt that.
Let me give you a tip, stop comparing to others, compare the you of the present with you of the past, comparison is the enemy of self esteem and self-worth. I know it can be hard, believe me. I've been struggling for years with this too. Not only in the industry, but also in sport. I'm a climber, and I did compare myself to other climbers, which made me feel like I was not worth it, and I would never become good enough. This hada. big impact on my climbing, and forced myself to stop doing comparing myself. Since then I've felt really secure and had more motivation to climb.
There are countless posts on DEV.to talking about this if you want to read more. I can just recommend what's worked for me.
This seems like just a preconception you have forced on yourself, who says that you SHOULD have more skills? Maybe you're ok with the skillset you have, otherwise just keep learning. It's the only way to gain skills.
Is it you that feels this way? or have you been rejected from the companies?
One solution is to do some kind of internship, you can learn a lot with them!
PD: You've come to the correct place to talk about this, I haven't found a more welcoming and empathic community. People here are willing to help and share their experiences.
Cheers, hope you found the tips useful! Feel free to ask me anything!
Yeah Keff you are right comparing myself won't do any good.
Talking with you guys has bring positive vibes to me. Feeling motivated now. ....Really, community here is welcoming and empathic that only bcoz members like you and @aarone4 are here. Keep helping... keep contributing 👍🏻 More power to you 💪🏻 😊
❤️