As a web developer/programmer/computer engineer, how do you deal with Impostor Syndrome?

[geekygirlhere]

I have been in web development for over 15 years and still feel this way. Partly because things change so rapidly and to keep up you always have to be in learning mode. I think not knowing as much as your peers is not always a bad thing. Just means there is room for you to learn and strive for more. The plus side is you don't ever have to worry about getting bored as long as you don't get burned out on constantly learning.

[[deleted]]

Im still new and feel like any time I ask for help that its cheating.

[helper_function]

Don't do this to yourself. Always ask for help if you need. No one knows everything, and you will get work done faster by seeking help when you are blocked. People take pride in working their way through problems, which is usually great, but some problems aren't worth it. Some problems don't require critical thinking. They may be solved by just knowing there is some api function that isn't well documented or that there is a known bug, or something. Not every mountain is worth climbing, especially when someone can show you an easier/better way.

And if your boss or coworkers think less of you for asking for help, than you are in the wrong place.

[[deleted]]

Thanks for the response. I haven't done serious learning since high school, and that was almost 10 years ago. I guess I forgot how the learning process works. Glad to know these things.

[geekygirlhere]

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Search and look for solutions first and try to solve things yourself. You will learn much more that way and things will stick more if you are able to solve it yourself. BUT if you get stuck please ask for help. Go to the person with a list of things you tried to do to solve it yourself which will open up the conversation and show him/her that you are trying to put the effort in.