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I'll be 29 in a couple of months. Started programming in high school but didn't get really serious about it till college. Have been working professionally for 6 years. Overall I'm proud of what I've accomplished but after scouring this site for even my limited amount of time, I wonder if I've been slacking too much as I don't consider myself a senior developer. Some days I wonder if I'll feel like I'll ever reach that point, given just how much there is to know out there.



For background: I'm 23, starting my PhD. Have had about a year of industry work (including a game company - actual interesting work). I have a few startup ideas (trying hard to execute), and I'm interviewing with Google (although I failed last year, and I might just wanna do my PhD). I wasn't passionate about programming until last year actually, after I started reading more.

People say that the smartest people are uncertain of their own abilities, because they see the bigger picture. They are the ones that can see just how deep this rabbit hole goes. Infinity can be a daunting thing. I guess it can either make you give up, or push harder.

I'd hazard a guess to say you are on track (although who am I to say) :) never become a senior developer, just move along the spectrum of a curious, 'young' programmer mind.

Happy birthday in a couple of months :)




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