Tech Career Myths That Are Holding You Back

Day 25 of the 30 days share something challenge. After a recent conversation with someone flirting with the idea of changing their career and exploring Tech as the next move, but with lots of hesitation, today I wanted to point out some of the myths I’ve heard about tech careers that can sabotage your journey into tech before you even get started.

If you’ve ever thought about pursuing a career in tech but found yourself doubting whether it’s the right path for you, you’re definitely not alone.?

I’ve spent over 20 years in the tech industry and I’ve heard, and believed, many myths about what it takes to succeed in this field. These misconceptions can hold you back from taking that first step, or worse, convince you that you don’t belong.

Here’s the truth.? Most of those myths are just that, myths. And they shouldn’t stand in the way of your journey.?

Let’s break down some of the most common ones I’ve come across and how they’re keeping you from realising your potential.

"You Need to Be a Genius at Math to Succeed in Tech"

This is probably one of the biggest myths I hear from women considering tech careers.? The idea that you need to be a maths wizard to even get started is completely false.? Yes, there are areas of tech like data science or algorithms where a strong understanding of maths can be useful, but for the majority of tech roles, especially in software development, UX design, and project management, it’s not a dealbreaker.

When I first started coding, I was convinced that my average maths skills would hold me back.? I got a 'B' in maths GCSE at school (not bad at all) and an 'E' in A-Level Pure Maths and Statistics at sixth form college (great at coursework, sh*t at exams).? After the saga with the 'E' I thought it was over, and I wouldn’t get the chance to pursue my interest in Business Studies.? Tech didn’t even come to mind, as I didn’t even know what it was then.

Years later, I remember sitting in front of my first tech project while learning C programming, feeling intimidated by the logic required.

But the truth is, coding is more about problem-solving and creativity than about maths. Once I realised that, my confidence grew.? I’ve worked with incredibly talented developers who weren’t maths geniuses, but they knew how to approach a problem, break it down, and find a solution.

Don’t let the fear of not being “good enough” at maths hold you back from a tech career.? You can develop the problem-solving skills needed to succeed in tech without being a maths prodigy.

"You Have to Start in Tech at a Young Age"

There’s this unspoken belief that if you didn’t start coding in your teens or study computer science at university, you’ve somehow missed the boat on a tech career.? This myth is completely untrue.? Tech is one of the most welcoming fields for career changers, and people enter it from all sorts of backgrounds, at every stage of life.

I’ve worked with women who transitioned into tech from teaching, marketing, finance, youth services, you name it.? I didn’t start my tech journey with a straight focus on wanting to be a tech professional either. My background was far from traditional, and after working in part-time retail jobs for many years with a desire to become a jewellery merchandiser at one point, and being excited about pursuing a degree in Business Studies, it took years for me to realise that tech was going to be a viable career for me. Tech doesn’t care how old you are or what you did before.? What matters is your willingness to learn and your ability to solve problems.

So, if you’re thinking about making the switch later in life, or you didn’t have the chance to study computer science, don’t let that stop you. Your unique experiences can bring fresh perspectives to the table, and that’s a huge asset.

"Tech Is Only for People Who Love to Code"

While coding is an important part of tech, it’s not the only way to build a successful career in the industry.? This myth keeps so many talented people, especially women, out of tech because they think it’s all about sitting in front of a computer writing code for hours on end.

Tech is a wide and varied industry, and there are countless roles that don’t involve coding. From UX/UI design, project management, data analysis, and tech writing to roles in sales, marketing, and product management, there are so many ways to contribute to the tech world without being a coder.

Personally, I started as a software developer, but over time I moved into application development management and tech career coaching. I still love code, but what I love even more is helping people solve problems using technology, and guiding people who want to break into tech and develop their potential. So even if coding isn’t your passion, that doesn’t mean tech isn’t for you.

"You Have to Know Everything Before Applying for a Job"

I’ve seen so many women hold back from applying for tech roles because they feel they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the job description. It’s something I’ve struggled with too, looking at a job posting, seeing a requirement I didn’t have, and immediately counting myself out.

Here’s what I’ve learned.? You don’t need to know everything to get started.? In fact, most tech jobs are looking for people with a strong foundation who are willing to learn on the job. Tech is fast-paced and constantly evolving, so it’s impossible to know everything. Employers are more interested in your ability to adapt and learn than whether you check off every single box on their list of requirements.

Early in my career, I applied for a developer role where I didn’t meet all the qualifications. I almost didn’t apply, but I went for it anyway—and I got the job. I didn’t have experience with every single programming language they wanted, but I had the fundamentals and was eager to learn. Once I was in the role, I quickly picked up the additional skills I needed.

If you’re holding back because you don’t feel 100% qualified, take the leap. You’ll learn as you go, and most decent companies are willing to support you in that growth.

"Women Don’t Belong in Tech"

This myth is unfortunately still persistent, and it’s one of the most harmful. The idea that tech is a “boys’ club” or that women don’t belong in this space is outdated, inaccurate, and damaging.

When I first entered tech, I often found myself as the only woman in the room. I felt like I had to prove myself constantly, and at times, I questioned if I truly belonged. But over time, I realised that being a woman in tech wasn’t a disadvantage, it was a strength.? I brought a different perspective to the table, one that was often missing.? The tech industry needs diversity, in gender, race, background, and thought, because that’s how we create better solutions for everyone.

I’ve been privileged to coach a good number of women in tech, and one thing is clear, women belong here. We’re problem solvers, creative thinkers, and innovators.? The more women who enter this field, the more balanced, inclusive, and innovative it becomes.? It’s super important the people involved in designing and developing digital products for the public reflect the population it's trying to service.??

If you’ve been holding back because you feel like you won’t fit in or don’t belong, trust me, you do. And the industry is better for having you in it.

There are so many myths that can hold you back from pursuing a tech career. Whether it’s thinking you’re too old, not smart enough, or not experienced enough, these limiting beliefs aren’t based on reality. What’s real is that tech needs you, your skills, your creativity, and your unique perspective.

Don’t let these myths stop you from exploring what could be a fulfilling, exciting, and impactful career.?

Take that first step, ask for help when you need it. And remember, you belong in tech just as much as anyone else. And don't let anyone tell you any different.

More power to you!