What do you do if you're feeling like an imposter in the Cloud Computing industry?

I think if you feel like you’re an impostor, you’re probably better qualified than everybody else. People who continually question their ability, have some insecurities, and are willing to take an effort to remove those, are the ones you want to work with. Those who think That they understand everything about cloud computing are normally narcissist that you do not want to work with.

I don't think we ever really overcome imposter syndrome: as soon as we do, we're off to the next challenge and beginning the cycle all over again! But that's part of the learning - that this is a cycle, that this feeling is normal, and that we will face it again and again as we grow in our career.

Imposter syndrome is like a fog that obscures the path to self-confidence in the cloud computing landscape. Acknowledge its presence, recognizing that even seasoned sailors navigate through moments of doubt. In the vast expanse of cloud technology, each expertise is but a single star in the night sky. Just as a sailor embraces the uncertainty of the open sea, accept that learning is a perpetual voyage. By relinquishing the pressure of perfection, you can set sail towards new discoveries, charting a course of growth and mastery amidst the ever-changing clouds.

If you're experiencing imposter syndrome in the Cloud Computing industry, it's important to recognize that feelings of inadequacy are common, especially in rapidly evolving fields like technology. Firstly, acknowledge your accomplishments and the skills you've acquired along your journey. Remember that learning is a continuous process, and everyone, regardless of experience, encounters challenges and areas for growth. Seek support from mentors, colleagues, or online communities to discuss your concerns and gain perspective from others who may have faced similar feelings. Focus on building your knowledge and expertise through targeted learning opportunities, such as online courses, certifications, or hands-on projects.

One thing that has helped me resolve my imposter syndrome is mindfulness. Sometimes, a lot of our emotions stem from a deeper place; resolving the symptom might not solve the problem and most times, the problem is usually a fear of failure. Understand this: a lot of people, people WAYYY more experienced than you also feel it too. Courage is not the absence of fear. it's the action despite it. Another thing to consider is that that feeling might not be a lie, and you might need to work harder to be qualified. Don't mistake imposter syndrome with an outright inability to deliver. But as long as you know what you're doing, and you can prove it, life is always a challenge. Just keep facing it head-on, and remain open to stretch yourself.

The education and certs are important but I'm a big fan of being hands on. Whether working on a real world project or pushing your home lab to the extreme, it really takes your certifications and courses to the next level.

Imposter feelings are like storm clouds, but education is the sturdy umbrella that shields against their downpour. Dive into the depths of cloud services, unraveling the intricacies of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS like a curious explorer. Online courses become compasses, guiding through the labyrinth of cloud computing. By immersing yourself in learning, you fortify your arsenal against doubt, transforming imposter syndrome into a catalyst for growth. Just as a sailor masters the seas through study and practice, you navigate the ever-changing currents of cloud technology with confidence and competence.

Identify Knowledge Gaps: Determine which areas of cloud computing you feel uncertain about. Online Learning Resources: Utilize online courses, tutorials, and certifications to educate yourself on services like IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS. Deepen Understanding: Take time to understand how these services interconnect and their roles in cloud computing. Build Confidence: Continuous learning helps build confidence in your skills and reduces imposter feelings. Stay Relevant: Keep your knowledge up-to-date to handle industry challenges effectively.

Three ways you can seek support: 1. Teaching others. I often realise I actually have more knowledge than my imposter syndrome would have me think! It's also a good way to identify gaps in my knowledge, too. 2. Mentoring others. By being formal about mentoring I realise that I have experience beyond simply the tasks on my job description. 3. Practising approaching others for support with low-risk chats. Make your conversation all about the other person to defuse anxiety: - I saw your presentation and really liked it. Would I be able to get some time with you to ask a few questions about how you prepared? - I'd like to learn more about your journey in technology. Can I book a meeting to chat about where you started and how far you've come?

Network with Peers: Connect with others in the cloud computing field to share experiences and challenges. Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from a mentor who can offer insights, share experiences with imposter syndrome, and help navigate cloud technologies like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. Validation and Encouragement: A support network can validate your feelings and provide encouragement during moments of self-doubt. Learn from Experiences: Tap into the experiences of your peers and mentor to gain valuable insights and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome.

I have an email folder called "Nice Things" where I save emails from people that congratulate me, thank me, or give great feedback on my work. It's nice to read through when I need a confidence boost and it's a great reference during yearly reviews!

Document Achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments and challenges you've overcome in cloud computing, such as deploying applications, managing infrastructure, or enhancing data security. Tangible Evidence: This documentation serves as tangible evidence of your capabilities and growth in the field. Combat Self-Doubt: When imposter syndrome strikes, reviewing your track record of success can help counter self-doubt and boost confidence. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and achievements to reinforce your sense of accomplishment and competence.

Define Achievable Goals: Set realistic goals in cloud computing, such as mastering a specific service or obtaining a certification within a manageable timeframe. Break Down Objectives: Divide larger goals into smaller, actionable tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate each accomplishment to reinforce progress and build confidence. Track Progress: Keep track of your advancements towards your goals to stay motivated and focused.

Thomas Edison is often attributed to the quote, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Underpin in the logic, is the fact that upon every time the experiment not working, he reflects and learn from the experience. If Edison had repeated the same methodology 9,999 times, do you think he would succeed at the 10,000th time? I doubt it. So, just as important as to the experience itself, take the time to reflect and learn from both successful and not-so-successful experiences. Even better is to write down the lessons learned to provide a paper trail for others. Good luck!

Technology is ever evolving and now at faster pace than any other time. Cloud is at center of every conceivable change. Not knowing everything about it is natural and one should be able to make peace with it. Imposter syndrome is common due elitist nature of technological industry and feelings of inadequacy keeps getting reinforced through continuously encountering new things. We all feel like one at some point or other. In my experience continuous learning is an easy way out of imposter syndrome. Anyone with learners attitude would overcome this feeling easily. Truth may be even stranger … even if you feel like an imposter, you may be the smartest man about cloud in the room. Chin up and carry on …. Lot more to come

Feeling like an imposter, especially in an ever-evolving field like cloud computing, is more common than many might admit. It's a reflection of our own self-doubt amidst rapid technological changes and the vast expertise around us. However, overcoming this sensation is possible through several steps: 1. **Recognize and Accept** 2. **Educate Continuously** 3. **Share and Seek Support** 4. **Set Realistic Goals** 5. **Celebrate Your Achievements** 6. **Seek Mentorship** Remember, feeling like an imposter does not reflect your actual abilities or potential. It's a sign that you're stepping out of your comfort zone and growing.