How can you tell if you’re a good developer?

Hey Vadim, So, I've been coding for money for about 5 years now. I've jumped around a lot — Java, Javascript, Python, NodeJS — you name it. The job market's been great, making it super easy for me to switch between gigs. I've done both full-time and contract work across many different companies. I think I've reached the level of being senior as I take on more and more responsibility. At every place I've been at, they seemed to love me. I always got the comments that I'm the best dev they'd ever had. But, personally, I've always felt a bit off. I'm good at bringing the team together and breaking down problems. Yet, there's always someone who can code better than me. They can whip up solutions way faster than I can. I get things quickly, but my code always seemed a bit messier. Now here is where it starts being interesting. I decided to switch jobs again, as Rust is the new fun kid of the block, I decided to switch things up by teaching myself Rust. Landed a job at a big-name brand recently, many thousands of engineers, and I'm feeling way out of my league. The devs here are on another level, I feel like everyone here is smarter than me, even the juniors are soo good, coming up with stuff I wouldn't even dream of. It's gotten to the point where I'm doubting if I'm cut out for this, especially having the title senior but not really being senior amongst my teammates. Makes me think of calling it quits. So, here's what my question is: How can I tell if I'm a good developer? Were my previous companies just bad? Now, I feel like I'm just not measuring up. Looking for some guidance or any advice you've got.

Feeling like you’re not measuring up, especially after joining a team full of sharp minds, is a common experience. I think I went through this cycle multiple times, and will probably go through it many more. I like that feeling. It means that I’ve grown complacent in my position and it’s a good time to learn from others. Remember the saying, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room”? Well, it’s true. Being surrounded by people who seem to be on another level is not just an opportunity but a gift for your personal and professional development. I think you should cherish it, regardless if your impostor syndrome is telling you you’re not fit to be there.

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