This is very similar to my story. Once I got on a dev team I was flabbergasted at the lack of breadth and depth of knowledge of my fellow devs. It was only a few older devs that had any clue.
Having gobs of time as a kid and in my twenties to experiment greatly enhanced my capabilities. Once I did start landing corporate jobs (which was exceedingly difficult) I was at or above architect level. As I gained more experience working on production systems I was promoted very quickly (created new positions for me etc).
I have had other architects declare I was the best they have ever met. Which sadly, isn't saying much.
> Once I did start landing corporate jobs (which was exceedingly difficult) I was at or above architect level. As I gained more experience working on production systems I was promoted very quickly (created new positions for me etc).
Ditto and ditto.
I have had some positive experiences working with fresh grads from places like Waterloo (I'd hire 10 of their grads for any one grad from anywhere else...) but my professional experience very much matches yours.
Having gobs of time as a kid and in my twenties to experiment greatly enhanced my capabilities. Once I did start landing corporate jobs (which was exceedingly difficult) I was at or above architect level. As I gained more experience working on production systems I was promoted very quickly (created new positions for me etc).
I have had other architects declare I was the best they have ever met. Which sadly, isn't saying much.