I knew I made it as a dev when I started talking with authority.

I engrossed myself into my field with enough genuine interest that I learned through practical means.

This isn't to say I'm simply head-strong, but I don't second-guess myself unless evidence to the contrary is provided, analysed and proven.

I learbed that your salary only goes so far as a developer (peoole who are in "the one and only" positions notwithstanding), eventually if you want to push further, you teach, you manage and you focus not on trends, but what youre good at.

That's actually why I love answering "What do I do during interviews?" questions.