- Published on
The Rockstar Syndrome in Tech
- Authors
- Name
- Iván González Sáiz
- @dreamingechoes
There's a lot written about this topic, and I’m probably not going to say anything new. This is more of a reminder for myself—something to look back on and feel "better" about my choices.
Let’s be honest: we have a problem in the tech industry. Well, we have a lot of problems, but one of the most harmful to our health (both physical and mental) is what I call the Rockstar Syndrome. We feel the need to be the best developer in the world, attend every single conference, maintain a GitHub profile filled with 10K+ starred repositories... but not everyone can handle that pressure.
Many of us understand that these things aren’t requirements to be a good developer. However, the industry often glorifies these profiles, creating an unhealthy culture that sidelines those who don’t fit the mold.
After years in the industry, having experienced both sides, I want to leave a few reminders for those who feel pressured to be the next Rockstar:
Your time is yours. No one should dictate what you do after work.
Learn if you want to. If you're excited about a new technology, dive into it.
Don’t feel pressured. If you prefer to disconnect from software development after work, that's completely fine.
Live a balanced life. Spend time on what makes you happy, exercise, and clear your mind.
Share experiences. Learning from others and sharing knowledge benefits everyone.
Make an impact in your own way. Contribute to non-profit organizations, support diversity in tech, and help underrepresented groups. Software development isn’t just about code—it’s about people.
And most importantly, remember this: You can become an amazing developer if your company supports your growth during working hours. Don't let industry pressure take away your life. Be happy.