Insightful post. I think what scares most newcomers a lot of the time is the simple act of asking questions.
We don’t want to seem stupid. Especially in the tech world, where there seems to be a tendency to feel a need to prove you’re much smarter than the other person.
But the real contribution in that? Creating conversation. Get that knowledge out there, discuss ideas.
That’s what I wish someone had told me in the beginning. Instead, they seemed more concerned themselves with seeming smart.
But asking those questions, in the end, is what helped me feel I belonged.
Asking questions and leaning into that true curiosity has helped me feel a sense of belonging almost everywhere. You're so right in that it does open doors that tend to lead to good connection with others 🫶✨️☺️
The best thing I discovered in tech was knowing that there is no best. There's trade-offs in practically everything you do, whether it's the job that you took because it didn't pay as well, but it gave you more flexibility. It's a technical decision that allowed you to move faster, but not correctly.
A lot of my impostor syndrome was born out of this idea that I'm not doing it the best way. But I came to realize very slowly, far too slowly in fact, that no one is. You realize you're an impostor in a room full of other impostors, which kind of means you're all on an even level.
So I wish someone had told me at the start: "I don't know what I'm doing, and neither will you. Knowing that means you belong".
Insightful post. I think what scares most newcomers a lot of the time is the simple act of asking questions.
We don’t want to seem stupid. Especially in the tech world, where there seems to be a tendency to feel a need to prove you’re much smarter than the other person.
But the real contribution in that? Creating conversation. Get that knowledge out there, discuss ideas.
That’s what I wish someone had told me in the beginning. Instead, they seemed more concerned themselves with seeming smart.
But asking those questions, in the end, is what helped me feel I belonged.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Rasmus. Hearing this helps those of us still learning to feel less alone in the process :)
Asking questions and leaning into that true curiosity has helped me feel a sense of belonging almost everywhere. You're so right in that it does open doors that tend to lead to good connection with others 🫶✨️☺️
I love what you shared, Mindi 🫶
Leaning into true curiosity and asking questions does seem like a key to belonging.
It’s inspiring to see how that openness not only helps us grow but also builds meaningful connections.
Definitely something I want to keep practicing. Thanks for this! You're the best🫶✨
On my first days in tech, I was afraid of, sort of, destroying something when a step to set up a pipeline fails.
That’s such a real feeling! Thank you for being open to sharing it, Daniela🙏
The best thing I discovered in tech was knowing that there is no best. There's trade-offs in practically everything you do, whether it's the job that you took because it didn't pay as well, but it gave you more flexibility. It's a technical decision that allowed you to move faster, but not correctly.
A lot of my impostor syndrome was born out of this idea that I'm not doing it the best way. But I came to realize very slowly, far too slowly in fact, that no one is. You realize you're an impostor in a room full of other impostors, which kind of means you're all on an even level.
So I wish someone had told me at the start: "I don't know what I'm doing, and neither will you. Knowing that means you belong".
Rav Nao, these insights you shared are SO valuable. Here’s what stood out to me:
- in tech, there’s rarely a single “best” way; most decisions involve trade-offs,
- impostor syndrome often comes from feeling like we’re not doing things perfectly, but actually, no one is,
- being surrounded by others who feel the same shows we’re all figuring things out together,
- accepting that not knowing everything is part of belonging is a powerful mindset.
Thank you so much for sharing such honest and helpful thoughts! 🙏
I appreciate you appreciating my words. Means a lot to have that kind of feedback.
I couldn't resist some good and positive laughs while reading this. Damn, how could you pull these insights from Harry Potter? Haha
My fav piece: learn people. Who to trust. When to speak. When to wait.
This is fundamental. Learning politics early is a career bonus. A sin and a gift, I'd say.
One that you will face sooner or later, anyway.
But most importantly, I believe this enables you to get the best from the best, even if the environment is not the best haha
Nice piece, my friend.
Raphael, thanks so much! I’m happy it gave you some good laughs. 😄
Using Harry Potter as a lens felt a bit bold, but your comment reminded me how important it is to learn about people and timing, too.
I’m still relatively new to all this and haven’t yet encountered team politics, but I’m eager to learn and grow.
I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging words. They mean a lot to me! 🙏✨