How to handle being unqualified for a job?
I am in my mid-to-late 20’s and recently (~4 months) got my first real job as a software developer on a 6 month contract. I love this field and everything related to it, but my worst fear of “not being talented enough” is coming true. For most projects, I’m paired with a much younger, very talented person. He will often write the majority of the code while I just document or test, or make minuscule changes. Things that would take me an hour or two, take him 15-30 minutes. I feel utterly useless, and fear it’s too late for me to enter the field despite schooling so long for it. Why would anyone ever want a near 30 year old over a fresh college grad who’s more skilled? Any advice from someone who’s been in this position OR from someone on the opposite end would be greatly appreciated. EDIT: Not sure the proper etiquette (if this should be an edit or a comment) but WOW! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who replied, and all the advice! I may feel like I am getting old, but there is still much to learn. Thank you all again so much!
I am in my mid-to-late 20’s and recently (~4 months) got my first real job as a software developer on a 6 month contract. I love this field and everything related to it, but my worst fear of “not being talented enough” is coming true.
For most projects, I’m paired with a much younger, very talented person. He will often write the majority of the code while I just document or test, or make minuscule changes. Things that would take me an hour or two, take him 15-30 minutes. I feel utterly useless, and fear it’s too late for me to enter the field despite schooling so long for it. Why would anyone ever want a near 30 year old over a fresh college grad who’s more skilled?
Any advice from someone who’s been in this position OR from someone on the opposite end would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT: Not sure the proper etiquette (if this should be an edit or a comment) but WOW! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who replied, and all the advice! I may feel like I am getting old, but there is still much to learn. Thank you all again so much!
