Hi everyone! I'm 18 and currently working as a technical apprentice at an MSP, getting ready to move up to a Tech-1 role. Most of my days are filled with taking calls, setting up devices, doing enrollments, troubleshooting Outlook and Teams issues, and managing various tech tasks. I also have the chance to shadow experienced techs on bigger projects, but I mostly find myself hopping between ticket resolutions and remote sessions, hoping to keep up the pace.
I've done some impressive things on my own, like building an Arch Linux RAID from scratch, maintaining a Proxmox cluster, experimenting with automation, and even setting up an XRPL trading node. I've always been the go-to person for friends whenever tech issues arise. Conceptually, I know I have a lot to offer.
But imposter syndrome really hits me hard. My manager sees great potential in me, and a coworker has praised my efficiency, yet I can't shake the feeling that it's just luck, and one day everyone will see I don't belong. Additionally, I'm feeling the strain of burnout. The combination of phone calls and ticket resolutions can be overwhelming, and I often find myself dozing off just to get through the day. I genuinely enjoy tech and challenging myself, but it feels like the job is draining more energy than it's giving back.
I'd love to hear from those who've been in my shoes. How did you tackle imposter syndrome when you had your skills recognized but still felt inadequate? And what advice do you have for spotting burnout early? I aim to build a steady tech career, but right now, it feels like I'm in a constant battle against my job and my own mindset.
5 Answers
I relate to your experience a lot! Remember to take care of yourself first. Balancing your workload is crucial; it’s not a race. As you keep that ambition in check, try picking up non-tech hobbies that can help you recharge. I found that getting into car repairs brought me a sense of fulfillment outside of screens. You'll see progress over time—just remember to give yourself space to breathe!
I started working at a young age too, and trust me, it’ll get easier as you gain experience. It’s okay to feel out of place sometimes. Just take things one step at a time and recognize the things you’ve accomplished instead of doubting yourself. You’ve got a bright future ahead—stay committed to your passion!
You’re certainly showing a passion for tech at your age! But it sounds like you might be pushing yourself a bit too much. It can be easy to get overwhelmed, especially in a busy MSP environment. Make sure you take breaks between tasks and don’t rush everything at once. It’s great to recognize your worth; just keep that self-awareness intact as imposter syndrome often never fully goes away. I faced similar feelings when I worked at an MSP and burnt out because of constant chaos. Hang in there; it gets better!
So true! I also struggled at an MSP early on. Taking breaks and pacing yourself can really help with the mental load and keep burnout at bay.
This isn’t just about technical skills; it’s deeply psychological as well. Everyone deals with imposter syndrome differently, and for many, it can linger for years. My advice is to focus on learning and ask for help when you need it. You’re super young, and this feeling won’t last forever—you’ll grow both personally and professionally as you get more experience!
Thanks! I’m really hoping it passes with time as I gain more experience.
Don't let the job consume your life. You're clearly talented, and it's normal to feel stressed new in the field. Make sure to take your time and recharge. Keep your diet in check and prioritize rest; that helps a ton with both health and performance at work. You’re learning a lot now, which will pay off in the long run—stay ambitious but steady!
I appreciate this! Keeping balance is key, especially with everything going on.
Thanks for the advice! I think I might get back into playing guitar again; it always helped me unwind!