What to do if I feel overwhelmed?

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the feeling of overwhelm experienced by a junior software engineer facing tight deadlines and high expectations. Using the analogy of a marathon, the speaker explains that the challenge is not about personal inadequacy, but about fitting into a fast-paced environment that may not be the right match at this time. The key message is that overwhelming situations are temporary and part of the learning process. It’s important to focus on growth, acknowledge when an environment isn’t a good fit, and keep learning through experience to improve and eventually thrive in future roles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Feeling overwhelmed is normal when starting something new, especially with high expectations and tight deadlines.
• 🏃‍♂️ Think of your experience as a marathon, where you're finding the right pace and level that suits your current skill set.
• 💡 It's not about being good or bad as a software developer; it's about whether the environment and pace match your current abilities.
• 💥 High-pressure environments are challenging, but they aren't a reflection of your personal capabilities—they may just not be the right fit for you at this moment.
• 🌱 Growth in software development comes with time, experience, and learning how to handle different work environments.
• ⏳ Overwhelm is temporary and part of the learning curve—eventually, you’ll adapt to the pace of the environment.
• 🧠 Talent and experience matter, but so does finding a work culture that aligns with your skills and learning style.
• 🎯 Don’t blame yourself for feeling overwhelmed—sometimes the expectations and pace are simply beyond your current capacity.
• 🔄 Some people may take a few jobs to find the right fit, while others might find the perfect job right away.
• 💪 The only way to improve and succeed is by persevering through challenges, learning from each experience, and adapting as you go.

Q & A

What is the main message Frederick is trying to convey in the video?

Frederick emphasizes that feeling overwhelmed in a new job, especially with tight deadlines, is natural. He encourages the viewer to focus on learning, self-compassion, and finding the right environment that matches their skills and experience, rather than blaming themselves.

How does Frederick compare starting a new job to running a marathon?

Frederick compares starting a new job to running a marathon by explaining that, like a race, you don’t always know the pace or environment you’re entering. You need to figure out where you fit, whether you're capable of handling the pace, and whether you can improve over time, just like in a marathon.

What should you do if you feel overwhelmed by the pressure at work?

Frederick suggests acknowledging that the pressure is not your fault and that it's normal to feel overwhelmed. Focus on doing your best and learning from the experience rather than blaming yourself for not meeting expectations.

How can the feeling of being overwhelmed be related to being in the right environment?

Being overwhelmed might not necessarily mean you're underperforming; it could be a mismatch between your current skills and the high expectations of the work environment. Frederick points out that different work environments have different demands, and not every environment may be right for everyone at every stage in their career.

What does Frederick mean by saying that being overwhelmed is 'temporary'?

Frederick advises that the feeling of being overwhelmed is a temporary phase, especially when you’re new to a job. As you gain experience and skills, the pressure may become more manageable, and you will gradually adapt to the work environment.

Why does Frederick suggest it might take years to become a senior software developer?

Frederick explains that becoming a senior software developer takes years of practice, learning, and experience. It’s not just about talent; it’s about consistent effort and gaining the necessary skills to handle more complex challenges and higher expectations in the workplace.

What does Frederick mean by 'it’s not you, it’s the environment'?

Frederick emphasizes that sometimes, no matter how skilled you are, the environment may not be conducive to your success. For example, if the company culture is chaotic or expectations are unreasonable, it might not be a reflection of your abilities but of a bad fit between you and the workplace.

How can feeling overwhelmed be seen as a learning experience?

Frederick views feeling overwhelmed as part of the growth process. Every job, especially in the early stages, offers valuable learning opportunities that contribute to your development as a professional, even if the experience is challenging.

What advice does Frederick give regarding fitting into a fast-paced work environment?

Frederick advises that if you're struggling in a fast-paced environment, it may be because the expectations are too high or not suited to your current skill level. He suggests reflecting on whether this environment is right for you and encourages exploring other opportunities if it’s not a good fit.

What does Frederick say about the possibility of being in a 'losing situation'?

Frederick acknowledges that in some cases, no matter how hard you try, the situation might be a 'losing one'—for example, if the company is mismanaged, or the expectations are unrealistic. In these cases, even the best software developers may not be able to succeed, and it’s important to recognize when the situation is beyond your control.