The Courage to Be Vulnerable in Tech as a Career Switcher

Embracing vulnerability early in your tech career

Photo by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash

I’m happy to share this guest post from my friend,

Doina Leovchin

. She’s a fellow career switcher and Frontend Developer like me. We initially connected on LinkedIn where her heartfelt and inspirational posts caught my attention.

Doina has a powerful story to share about the challenges she faced when starting her tech career. Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a software engineer or have decades of experience, Doina’s message reminds us all that vulnerability leads to growth.

Over to you, Doina.

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Making the switch to tech wasn’t easy. Coming from a background in social work and running a small business, I often felt out of place in a field where technical skills seemed to matter most. But I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t something to hide; it helps us grow. As Brené Brown says,

Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.

Embracing vulnerability has been key in finding my place in tech.

Why Tech?

I never imagined I’d end up in tech. My roots are in social work, where I wanted to help people, and later, I ran a small business. But when I started exploring tech, I realized it could allow me to help even more people in ways I hadn’t thought possible. It was intimidating at first, but I saw that it wasn’t just about coding. It was about being curious, solving problems, being creative, and making an impact.

The Struggles Along the Way

Imposter syndrome hit hard. I felt like everyone else knew more than me. It wasn’t easy to admit how much I didn’t know, but over time, I realized that I wasn’t alone. We all start somewhere, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. There were moments when the pace of tech felt overwhelming, but instead of running from it, I leaned into the discomfort. I started asking questions and remembering that learning is a process, not a race.

The Lessons I’ve Learned

Fear held me back initially. I questioned if I was good enough or if I belonged. Over time, I realized that everyone feels fear; it’s about not letting it control you. I can trace this back to childhood, when I’d hide from guests at my parents’ house, whether in a wardrobe or on the roof, just to avoid feeling exposed. I thought hiding would protect me, but I learned that growth doesn’t happen in hiding. I had to take ownership, show up, and face my fears head-on.

Vulnerability Strengthens Your Brand

When I first thought about building my personal brand, I believed it had to be flawless. I was afraid that showing any vulnerability would make me seem unprofessional. But I soon realized that being real about my journey, both the successes and struggles, is what connects me to others. As Brené Brown says,

Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.

Sharing something vulnerable made me nervous at first, but I was met with kindness. It taught me that being real doesn’t weaken your connections, it strengthens them. Vulnerability has helped me build trust and authenticity with others and with myself.

Advice for Those Considering Tech

If you're thinking about switching to tech, take it step by step and be kind to yourself. There’s so much to learn, and it’s okay to not have it all figured out right away. As Brené Brown says,

We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.

Build a supportive community, ask questions, and keep moving forward at your own pace. Every little bit counts.

Tech can feel lonely at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Surround yourself with people who understand, mentors who can offer guidance and peers who get the challenges. As Brown writes in Atlas of the Heart,

True belonging is not something we achieve; it’s something we create.

Embrace Your Vulnerability

Don’t shy away from showing up as you are—imperfect, learning, and vulnerable. When you embrace these qualities, you’ll find opportunities you might otherwise have missed.

Let yourself be vulnerable, curious, and joyful. Transformation starts in those honest moments—not just for you, but for those around you too.

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Thanks to

Doina Leovchin

for telling her story and giving us invaluable career advice. Please follow her on LinkedIn.