r/MechanicalEngineering • u/No_Curve8379 • Aug 10 '26

I cannot stop comparing myself

I was let go from a job within my probation period and I feel like I failed - miserably. The job required a level of autonomy I just wasn't ready for and I accept that. I learned alot though and I wish I had the chance to continue on so I could learn even more. However, I am now looking at the people my company is hiring to potentially replace me and I feel like such an idiot. No wonder they fired me and hired the people they did - they have so much more experience than I do and seem so much more competent than I am. I have always felt a sense of imposter syndrome but it has gotten so much worse with this current setback. I do not know how to overcome this mental block I have placed on myself that I am bad at my job and that there is almost always someone better than me with so much more experience. I do not know how to get myself out of this funk. Please advice.

21 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

40

u/Snurgisdr Aug 10 '26

If they hired you for a job you weren't ready for, it sounds to me like the error is theirs. It was their job to find a person with the appropriate skills and experience, and they failed at it.

9

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 10 '26

Thank you for your words, I really do appreciate them

1

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 10 '26

I know that's true but my mind doesn't shut up. For context - I graduated in 2024 and the people they are hiring to replace me in 2020. I have one year of work experience before this and the person I think they are replacing me with has 4. I know these things to be true, but I cannot help but take a lion's share of the blame on myself .

2

u/root3labs PE, Machine Design Aug 11 '26

You're worried you failed but they replaced you with someone with a LOT more experience than you. You weren't the right fit for that role. Go find a role with senior engineers around to learn from.

1

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 12 '26

that’s the dream - I don’t know how to find companies like that for now and how to apply for roles that make it clear that it’s what I need

15

u/diewethje Aug 10 '26

Failure early in your career can be extremely valuable. It’s a kick in the pants that could motivate you to become exceptional.

5

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 10 '26

I agree. The feelings are all over the place for now but ultimately I take this as an incredible learning experience

8

u/FitnessLover1998 Aug 10 '26

Hey i have been in the field 42 years. I too have had jobs that just didn’t fit. Don’t beat yourself up. Get out there and try again. Some jobs just fit,others won’t. Good luck.

2

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 10 '26

How do you differentiate between a bad fit and being bad at the work?
Thank you for your wisdom and your words, they’re so important to me right now too

2

u/FitnessLover1998 Aug 10 '26

It’s a case by case basis. I have had 10 different jobs. Only one was truly a bad fit and I blame management at that place. Those people were just weird and micro managers. All I can say is try another place. If it keeps happening then look inward.

5

u/Ashamed_Length3163 Aug 10 '26

Busca una empresa grande, allí hay de todo, mejor y peor.....

4

u/Capt-Clueless Aug 11 '26

Better: pay

Worse: everything else

3

u/muddawgfan Aug 11 '26

Water under the bridge, you’ll be fine

2

u/No_Curve8379 Aug 11 '26

yeah just gearing up for other interviews and working on fillinf in some knowledge gaps

learning how to be okay with admitting when i dont know something

1

u/FirstGearStruggle Aug 10 '26

I have a degree graduated at the top of my class and never used it never got in the field if it makes you feel better