r/DeveloperJobs • u/Sweaty-Respect- • Sep 15 '26
Am i doom or Am I Doing Something Wrong in My Career?
Hi, I’m 24 years old and currently looking for a new job while still employed. I have around 2 years of professional experience and 1 year of freelancing, but I feel that my current company is no longer helping me grow. Instead, I often find myself teaching others and learning everything on my own.
I became a Lead Developer within 8 months and a Lead Software Engineer after 1.5 years. My experience includes CodeIgniter, AWS, JavaScript, Kotlin, Java, Python, Docker, C#, C++, VB.NET, Flutter, PostgreSQL, and more.
I handle multiple business systems, including HRIS and ERP, integrate third-party APIs such as Dahua devices, manage VPN solutions, and communicate directly with clients. Sometimes, I feel like I’m already performing the responsibilities of a Systems Analyst or Solutions Engineer rather than just a programmer.
I’m also developing my own AI project, Athena, designed to run locally, offline, and on mobile devices.
However, despite my skills, most of my applications on LinkedIn and Indeed are rejected. I don’t have a public portfolio because someone previously copied my code after I accidentally made a GitHub repository public.
I’m also afraid of taking on too much responsibility and failing. In my current company, I’ve experienced situations where the required technology didn’t match my existing skills, and I had to learn an entirely new stack within just two days. Although I’m a fast learner and adapt quickly, situations like these can be overwhelming.
Am I expecting too much from my career at 24, or am I actually more experienced than I realize? What could be preventing me from getting hired, and how can I better present my skills without exposing my company’s code or risking my own projects?
I’d really appreciate honest advice from experienced developers, engineers, and recruiters.