What if you're not that great?

2 points by lordkinboat 13 years ago | 6 comments

Reading HN I often get the impression that there are a hell of a lot of bright individuals out there creating amazing things seemingly out of thin air. But I have a question: what if you're not that great?

A very brief background: I'm about to finish a CS degree. I had an internship for a CPU designer which (in my own words) was disastrous: I barely learned any code or design, instead I learned the damage a poor manager can do. In short, I don't really know what I don't know. I'm more interested in what I can learn than what I've learned while at school. I'm still finding my way.

With that in mind, back to the main question: I haven't created a world-changing web app nor do I have bucket loads of experience in projects or languages.

Is there a place for a hard-working, "jack of all trades, master of none" type person?

sidewinder 13 years ago |

For every "rockstar" programmer there are many more "average Joes" and I think that's ok. I'm a "jack of all trades, master of none" type person too, mainly because I like learning about many things but haven't spent enough time in any to become the expert (but I'm getting there). My advice is to find a field that seems interesting and jump in. Figure out who the expert programmers are, what makes them great and emulate them. You only stay average if you choose not to learn and grow.

sidewinder 13 years ago | |

I meant to add that the only difference in any field between average and expert is passion and time.

lordkinboat 13 years ago | | |

Great line, thanks!

thoughtcriminal 13 years ago |

Self-doubt and fear... Those two feelings will be your friends if you take the time to know them. But are you willing to make that journey? Are you willing to make the sacrifices to be great?

It's sounds like you want assurances now, before pouring in the years of work, sweat and failures. You want guarantees and validation now, then you'll commit? Is that how you want it?

Just know this: patience is greater than understanding. You need patience first. Be okay with uncertainty. Even the things you think you know aren't so.

P.S. Patience is greater than understanding. This sentence hit me hard. It's also the answer to something I'm struggling with. Time to take my own medicine.

lordkinboat 13 years ago | |

Interesting, thanks.

I posed the question more as a realistic observation: I haven't changed the world with technology x or web app y, so I accept that I probably won't. I'm OK with this, I'm just wondering what is out there for someone like me: your average joe!

What I'm interested in is the stories and experiences of those people who are in the background or aren't the star of the show. My question was vague as hell, though - so all responses read!

thoughtcriminal 13 years ago | | |

I think that answer was more for me than anyone else. It was something I needed to hear.