Hey everyone! I've been working as a full-stack web developer at a startup since July 2024, and while things are going well, I don't feel confident in my abilities. I have nearly 2 years of experience, but I often feel like I'm still just starting out. I rely heavily on AI even for small tasks, which I think is affecting my problem-solving skills and critical thinking. I'm worried that if this continues, my career might take a hit. I want to improve my skills, especially in JavaScript, React, and databases. I also realize that I lack strong problem-solving and data structures & algorithms (DSA) knowledge. Could anyone recommend some learning materials, YouTube channels, or online courses that might help me grow?
5 Answers
I’ve been a developer for 5 years, and I still feel like a beginner at times. I also relied heavily on AI, but I canceled my subscriptions when I got laid off. I use a local model for basic tasks while I focus more on architecture and manual coding for my projects.
Hey there! It's totally normal to feel this way, even after 10 years in the field. Just focus on improving a little bit each day—you're doing better than you think!
Honestly, this feeling often doesn’t go away, but it becomes less noisy over time. I recommend setting time limits for tackling problems without AI—like 30-60 minutes. This technique helped me a lot more than any course ever could. Don't stress too much about DSA unless you’re prepping for interviews. Real improvement comes from building and debugging your projects!
You know, the feeling of uncertainty as a developer never really goes away. It’s part of the journey. Just keep working hard, and you’ll find that your confidence grows with your experiences.
Have you considered looking into Kubernetes (k8s)? It could be a valuable skill to learn alongside what you're already doing!
Same here! Studied psychology for years and sometimes doubt my knowledge. Just remember, recognizing your dependency on AI is a significant first step. Maybe try coding without it for a bit? It can be frustrating at first, but you got this!