You can’t.

“Years of experience” only implies that one has had the exposure and opportunity to learn, refactor and progress.   It isn’t a measure of success and understanding.

Especially when you are referring to software developers, years do not equate to increased skill level.

In a phone interview once, I was asked the question:

How many years of XML experience do you have?

• None.
• 1-3.
• 3-5.
• More than 5

I couldn’t contain myself. I laughed.

Who keeps inventory of every piece of knowledge like that? Fun trivia, I guess.

I know so many web developers that can say, “I’ve been doing this for ten years”, that are working the same way they did ten years ago.

I know dozens of poker players that can say “I’ve been playing this game for thirty years”, that get crushed by studious players who started the game a few months earlier.

Your current skills have an expiration date.  You can either actively develop them or insulate your spoiled perceptions from criticism.

My suggestions?

• Find humility
• Get a role model
• Read a book