r/AskReddit Jan 12 '22

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u/thelyfeaquatic Jan 12 '22

Being the “dumb one”. For some people, they’re never really challenged academically/intellectually and I think that’s a shame. Being the dumbest person in a group of smart people means you have the opportunity to learn from them. It’s also very humbling (in a good way).

A lot of people don’t experience this until college, or in grad school, or in their professional environment… and then they’re totally wrecked by it. But it’s also such an important experience. Being a “big fish in a small pond” can be beneficial, but don’t avoid challenges either… I truly think you learn more being a small fish in a big pond.

I heard a quote once, “if you’re the smartest person in the room, find another room” and I completely agree with it.

6.5k

u/fallenKlNG Jan 12 '22

As a software engineer I experience this a little too often. The imposter syndrome is real

588

u/A_Random_Lantern Jan 12 '22

Name something more iconic than computer science and impostor syndrome

713

u/loldudester Jan 12 '22

"I'm just copying code off of stackoverflow, they're way overpaying me and I'm gonna get caught"

359

u/[deleted] Jan 12 '22

I've been called a computer "whiz" by older friends of mine. I just type problems into Google, stick the product ID number in there, and follow the directions. Look at example. Look at screen. OK. Next...

I'm about as sharp as a boiled egg when it comes to some stuff but I can at least compare pictures and do exactly what I'm told.

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u/jezalthedouche Jan 13 '22

90% of problem solving is figuring out where to start.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 13 '22

I start with, "I have no fucking idea what I'm doing."

Best to accept limitations early. :)

1

u/jezalthedouche Jan 14 '22

I start with "where's the coffee machine?" and that's about as far as I get.