Old man syndrome
12 May 2026
I’m 60 next month. June 2026 if anyone reads this in the future. I love conferences. Leeds Testing Atelier is one of my favourites alongside TestBash MoTaCon.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing. But so is old ‘person’ syndrome.
The trouble is, it takes everything out of me. My feet hurt from standing up to long. My back hurts from sitting on uncomfortable chairs. My brain is mush from ideas and conversations. I finally get home and collapse.
It is absolutely worth it, but much easier when you are younger. As my wife says, ‘you are the oldest person at the conference!’ Today felt that way.
Imposter syndrome is a real thing. But so is old ‘person’ syndrome.
The trouble is, it takes everything out of me. My feet hurt from standing up to long. My back hurts from sitting on uncomfortable chairs. My brain is mush from ideas and conversations. I finally get home and collapse.
It is absolutely worth it, but much easier when you are younger. As my wife says, ‘you are the oldest person at the conference!’ Today felt that way.
Ady Stokes
Freelance Consultant
He / Him
MoT Ambassador. Currently semi-retired and freelancing. I am, amongst other things, a writer, speaker, and accessibility advocate. Leeds Chapter Lead. MoT Certs curator and article editor for MoT and WonderProxy. Testing wisdom, friendly, testing songs and poems. Great minds think differently. STEC and SQEC Certified.
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Simon Tomes
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And we're all glad you're still getting stuck in, Ady! Even if it hurts (sorry to hear it hurts). 🫠
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