Caught In The FOMO: Managing Tech FOMO

posted 4 min read

Caught In The FOMO Trap: How To Deal With Tech Trends

Managing tech FOMO: trusting your path

Sometimes the best move is to trust the path you've already chosen.

What if there were a better option out there? What if that job was mine? What if I would succeed in that other niche?

Tech is full of endless opportunities, with trends coming and going before you can even catch your breath. One moment, it’s AI; the next, it’s Web3, then machine learning, and so on. These innovations are exciting, but they come with a downside: FOMO—The Fear Of Missing Out.

FOMO describes the anxiety we feel when thinking that other people are having more fun or living more fulfilling lives than we are. We constantly compare ourselves to others, see the options out there, and ask:

Is what I'm doing right now good enough? Am I missing out on something?

99% of techies experience this, FOMO can be paralyzing. You might feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not chasing the latest buzz or tech wave. You might feel like you're not doing enough. I know this because I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. Fave’s has been there and we'll call hers: The Web3 Dilemma.

The Web3 Dilemma

Fave is a developer focused on learning DevOps. She spends hours mastering CI/CD pipelines, cloud infrastructure, and automation tools. It’s not always glamorous, but she knows this skill set is in demand and feels confident in her path.

Then, the Web3 hype hits. Everywhere you look—LinkedIn, Twitter, meetups, and online spaces—people are talking about NFTs, decentralized apps, and blockchain. So many success stories like: landing Web3 gigs, building decentralized apps, and making six figures off token sales. It all makes it seem like the future is leaving her behind or that Web3 is the only way to thrive and earn.

Even though she never doubted her path, Fave started questioning herself:

Should I drop everything and switch to Web3? Should I try to do both?

The pressure was real. She even began researching blockchain certifications and thinking of ways on how to switch .

But instead of giving in, she paused. She reflected and reminded herself why she chose DevOps-it was were her interests and long-term career goals aligned. While Web3 is exciting, chasing the hype wasn’t the right move for her.

Months later, the Web3 buzz might still remain, but Fave focus is on DevOps and she'll definitely thrive. Ironically, some of the projects she works on now integrate Web3 tools—but her focus remains on building solid, impactful technology.

Two Types of FOMO Tech Professionals Face

  1. Aspirational FOMO

This type of FOMO stems from seeing others succeed in ways you admire. It’s not just the fear of missed opportunities; it’s the desire to pursue what seems like a more rewarding or fulfilling journey. Aspirational FOMO can either get out of control or serve as motivation if managed properly.

  1. Heard FOMO

Heard FOMO arises from missing out on something you haven’t personally experienced but have only heard about. It’s fueled by secondhand information—often from social media or conversations—about experiences or trends others seem to be enjoying. It’s that nagging feeling of, “Everyone is doing this, and I’m not.”

Practical Tips To Overcome Tech FOMO

Reflect on your goals: Revisit your personal and career goals and ask yourself questions
Stay Informed, not overwhelmed: Get reliable updates on tech trends without overloading yourself because you'll always feel there's a better option.
Experiment strategically: Instead of abandoning your niche, explore trends in a low-risk way.
Digital detox/ Real-life connections: Limit social media time to avoid endless comparisons and make real-life connections.
Mindfulness and gratitude: Actively think about the positive aspects of your life and be grateful for what you already possess.

Questions to Ask Yourself

When you’re caught in the grip of FOMO, pause and have an honest internal conversation.

For Aspirational FOMO:

Is this thing as good as it seems?
Do I have the time to pursue it?
Can I afford to do it?

For Heard FOMO:

Why do I want this thing?
Is this truly what I want?
What exactly am I missing out on, or am I just following the crowd?
Self-concept

Dig into these questions. Replace fear with facts to make decisions based on logic and data.

Tip: When faced with FOMO, revisit your career roadmap. Ask yourself: Does this trend align with my long-term aspirations? Will pursuing this add value to my skills or just distract me? This approach helps you stay focused while exploring new opportunities strategically.
Caution: Not every trend is as revolutionary as it seems. Social media often amplifies success stories while downplaying the risks and challenges. Before diving in, research thoroughly. Remember, short-term excitement can sometimes derail long-term success.
Note: Embracing new trends doesn’t mean leaving behind what you’ve built. Sometimes, the best way to innovate is to incorporate new technologies into your existing niche—just like Fave did with Web3 and DevOps.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, it’s impossible to keep up with everything. FOMO is only a natural reaction to this, but it doesn’t have to control you. Instead, let it inspire you to grow within your niche. By focusing on what truly matters and making sure your actions align with your personal and professional goals, you can handle the hype and thrive in your tech career.

Remember, sometimes the best way to move forward is to stand still and trust your path.

So, the next time you see a post about trending technology, take a deep breath. Missing out might just be the best decision you make for yourself!

Have you experienced FOMO in tech? Share your story or tips in the comments below!

If you read this far, tweet to the author to show them you care. Tweet a Thanks
This really resonates with me! I’ve been questioning my path in frontend development every time a new trend like Web3 or AI pops up. How do you personally decide when a trend is worth exploring further?
Great Article by the way
Excellent take! Thanks so much. FOMO is real. I experience a varation of this. If I switched to "other thing" it will be more to my skill level and I'll be able to get things done.

Never happens. The "other thing" is equally difficult. :)
Thank you for sharing your experience—you're not alone!
Personally, I ask myself;
Does it align with my goals and what is the cost of not learning it? Can I start small?

If I’m curious, I try small, hands-on experiments, like a weekend project or online course. This lets me explore without committing too much time upfront.

Also, one thing I've learned is that; It's okay not to chase every trend.
Thank you!
And wow, I can definitely relate to that. It’s so easy to believe that the “other thing” will be simpler or a better fit—until you realize it has its own challenges too.

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