1. Leetcode is not software engineering, its software interviewing. You can be exceptional in one and not the other 2. It is possible that there are people who

1. Leetcode is not software engineering, its software interviewing. You can be exceptional in one and not the other 2. It is possible that there are people who "simply can't code". I don't personally think that's correct but it might be 3.You should never compare yourself to everyone (especially post doc unicorns who leet for fun). I don't think I'm an "exceptional" coder and I'm completely fine with it. I might get better in the future but where I am today already allows me to do my work competently and above although there are many many people above me 4. If something gives you grief and stress even after committing to it and trying to "break the barrier", you shouldn't do it. Mental health is more important then doing something specific as coding for a living 5. I couldn't understand if you did LT for 5 years and couldn't get a job or just couldn't finish LT. If you are working now and the only problem is getting stuck on some LT problems, I don't think LT should be a goal, only a tool.