Did you ever wonder if you should be doing the job you’re doing? In the last year or so I’ve been losing confidence in my ability to be a "professional web guy". I look at what I make and think "other people do this so much better, for less money than I charge".
I suspect everyone goes through this at times, but I don’t hear about it first hand really. Have you ever felt this? How do you handle it?
Dude, every job I’ve ever had, all the time. I haven’t figured out how to deal with it yet.
In my life it seems that when I get to feeling this twinge of regret for the path my life has taking sometimes, being in a position where I feel I can’t succeed, I have to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. I have to take a look back at what God has brought me from, and where He is taking me. I may never really be “happy” as a web guy. I think “contentment” is an impossible notion. In fact I pray that God would make me discontent so that I never get comfortable with my relationship with him, or with where my life is at. I would like to constantly be improving and drawing nearer to him. So what is God leading me towards in the future. I don’t really know right now, but it is kind of exciting to think about. I think God places these things in our minds to get us ready for moves He could make in our lives, and that the only true contentment to ever be achieved will only exist when we are actually with God in the new heaven.
But thats just what I think… sorry to ramble.
I’m widely dispersed enough in what I do (windows/unix system administration, web design, web programming) that I seldom expect to know how I’m going to solve a problem.
On the bright side, I suspect that this is true of most technology professionals, bearing in mind how fast technology changes.
You may be comparing yourself to people who know more than you or what you’d ideally like to know. You might look into comparing yourself to those who know less….
There are certain areas in which I’m quite sure I qualify.
Wow, yes, I constantly think that about my job at tech support, about my ability as a solo pianist and especially as an accompanist, as a writer, as a programmer . . . basically anything I do. I haven’t quite figured out how to deal with it, but I try to tell myself not to compare myself with other people.
Keep on it man. You do an amazing job. But I don’t think you are just a web developer… you are also an AMAZING teacher, a father, and a follower of Christ. In fact, I think you are simply a Christian cleverly disguised as a web-developer….
Cheers friend.
IMO, you have to chase your dreams, or chase the job that will allow you to do so. If “dreams” isn’t the right word, perhaps it’s your favorite way to earn a living. Whatever that is, work towards it…even if it means working for CU radio ;~).
Yup, you suck – you should quit and become a floral arranger 😛
Just kidding *heh* The truth is, there’s always someone better than you at something. The trick is to realize that few (if any) people have the same MIXTURE of skills that you do (this applies to anyone).
I’m definitely not the best programmer, the best problem solver, have the most unique imagination, etc….
However, there’s no one else that has the exact same balance of skills and talents that I do – which is what makes me unique.
Always beware the comparison game – you’ll pretty much always lose.
So why do I continue doing what I’m doing? Because I love doing it – I’m one of the lucky people that gets to do what I love for WORK…and I think you are in much the same situation.
In the end, that’s all we each have to offer though – our unique selves (which is all that God asks for: the living sacrifice – good thing too, as that’s all we really have to give…)
I agree with Nathan. It’s a mix of skills and experience that are unique – and you are satisfying the needs of your customers. It’s more than just the best code – it’s the best customer service, understanding the customer needs, answering the questions, solving the problems….
It’s all about gestalt – the whole is greater than the sum of the parts… There may be better people at one aspect of our jobs, but the unique combination of everything together is what matters. It’s what God put into us when He designed us.
The thought that “somebody could do this better than I can” leaves out the rest of the equation. It’s the skills, the personality, the heart, and our calling together that makes each of us fit right where God wants us to be.