[wavemode]

Everyone you consider "great" at something had mentors who helped them get there. One of the biggest differences between me now, and me when I was new to software engineering, is that now I ask a lot more questions.

When I was new, I was insecure about seeming like I didn't know certain things and wanted to "prove myself", so to speak, so I would keep my head down and try to figure things out for myself.

Over time I've realized that leaning on others with more expertise than you is how you learn and grow, and asking questions and collaborating with others does not reflect poorly on you as an engineer (quite the opposite in fact).

These realizations are what have boosted my confidence - I know that if I'm ever working on something that I don't know how to do, I can go talk to someone who does know and learn something new. If you don't work somewhere where this is possible (i.e. you're always the "smartest guy in the room", as they say) then your growth as an engineer is going to be limited.