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Ask HN: How do you deal with impostor syndrome as a software contractor?
Backstory: I have been hired as a software contractor, and I start work next Wednesday. The position is fully remote and requires around 50 hours per week. I am a self taught developer with 4 years of experience, and I am struggling with impostor syndrome.
I am good at the languages I will be working with, but I am anxious that when I start the job, I will need some time to acclimate myself to an architecture that other people have written. Do companies usually give a contractor some time to warm up to a new environment? Do you have any tips on how I can get my bearings faster in a new environment, or on how to be a good contractor in general?
- celticninja 7y agoI have worked somewhere that hires contractors, and yes there is a period of acclimation required and this so expected. Just getting the requisite software and system setup and familiarising yourself with the application is a few days. One good thing to do is take a look at a any bug lists and see I there are any quick wins you can see. This helps you get involved and to learn the system without needing to pick up an involved and complex ticket.
- anontractor 7y agoThank you, I appreciate you taking the time to help. This is relieving to know.
- celticninja 7y agoWhere I work we use git/GitHub, the readme docs should enable a new developer to set up easily. If your new employer doesn't have something like this, a great first thing to do is document the set up process, useful for your learning and for the next contractor after you. You can feel like you are adding value straight away. If it already exists the a) your set up is easier and b) you can alter it if necessary i.e you find an unmentioned issue and fix it.
- celticninja 7y agoAlso good luck and remember you passed an interview to get the job, so not only did you convince the interviewers that you could do the job, you also beat out other candidates to get the job. Imposter syndrome is a pain in the ass but as long as you are aware of it it keeps you from thinking you know more than others and it keeps you ready to learn