Burnout, disillusionment, and imposter syndrome after 1 year in DS. Am I just an API monkey? Reality check needed.
\n \t
\n
<\/BR>
\n
\n \t
\n
<\/BR><\/p>\n
Hey folks,<\/p>\n
I am about a year into my first data science job. It took roughly a year and more than 400 applications to land it, so the idea of another long search is scary.<\/p>\n
Early on I worked with an internally built causal AI model that captures relationships for further analysis. I did not build the model. I ran experiments to make it more explainable and easier for others to use. I also built data orchestration pipelines using third party tools that are common in industry and cloud providers like AWS and GCP.<\/p>\n
The last six months have shifted to LLM and NLP work. A lot of API calls, large text analysis. The next six months look even more LLM heavy since I am leading an internal tool build.<\/p>\n
On paper there are wins: – I have led projects and designed tools from scratch. – My communication and client skills have improved.<\/p>\n
My concerns:<\/p>\n
I feel imposter syndrome and worry I am behind my peers on fundamentals and interview depth. I\u2019m so burned out and honestly can\u2019t tell if I\u2019m just being a negative Nancy or if my concerns are legit. Am I shortchanging myself by thinking that I’m just not skilled enough? Idk<\/p>\n
What I would love input on:<\/p>\n
Am I building valuable skills for the DS market, or am I narrowing myself too much?<\/p>\n
What types of companies or industries might value this mix of causal modeling, LLM work, and consulting style analysis?<\/p>\n
If I want to keep doors open for more traditional DS or ML roles, what should I focus on learning now?<\/p>\n
Portfolio ideas I can ship from my current work that would impress a hiring manager?<\/p>\n
Would you ride out six months to finish the tool and try for a promotion, or start looking sooner?<\/p>\n
Honest takes are very welcome.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
submitted by \/u\/RookFlame4882 <\/a>
[link]<\/a><\/span> [comments]<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n