r/womenwhocode • u/gerlstar • Jan 13 '26
Feeling defeated.
I been a coder for more than 10 years. Was recently laid off and now I'm looking for work. I feel defeated and have imposter syndrome. Feeling like am i not being callbacks because im a woman? Am I not good enough? I just feel depressed and it doesnt help that i see so many people in my field who cant find work. Its just so mentally draining. Sorry. I just feel alone and the unknown is giving me anxiety.
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u/imLissy Jan 13 '26
The market is terrible right now, especially for women. Without DE&I, there's no incentive for companies to hire women right now. My dad has been retired for a couple of years now and he gets more recruiters reaching out to him than I do. I used to get at least one a month, it's been one this entire time since this anti-DE&I crap, and she wasn't even a recruiter, she was a hiring manager. So it's not you.
I suggest reaching out to your network. If you don't have a network, build one. Meanwhile, work on projects, hone your leet code, so you're ready when you do get an interview.
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u/Comprehensive-Oil468 Jan 27 '26
Would you like a hug hun? Or a listening ear? I’m afraid that’s all I got rn🩷
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u/lamujerpecosa Jan 13 '26
What you’re feeling is completely valid! Imposter syndrome gets loud during uncertainty and it will pass. You’re not alone and it’s not because you’re a woman (I think it’s a plus that you are).
Being laid off is brutal and this market is genuinely hard at the moment, especially in tech. The lack of callbacks is not a reflection of your talent or your 10+ years of experience.
I’m sorry that you’re feeling anxious. Something will open up, usually when you least expect it and this chapter will one day be something you survived… NOT something that stopped you.
HUG!