Signed up for a paid mock interview after six months of practicing alone and it exposed problems I didn't know I had

Been grinding leetcode and reading system design write-ups solo since spring, felt reasonably prepared. Paid for a single mock session out of curiosity more than anything. Within the first ten minutes the interviewer asked me to think out loud and I realized I don't actually do that when I practice alone — I just stare at the screen until something clicks, then type it. Explaining my reasoning in real time while someone watches is a completely different skill, and I was noticeably worse at it than I expected. Also got asked two follow-up "what if the input was..." questions I had no answer for, because I never practice past the first solution. Worth the money just for that feedback. Doing three more before I start applying for real.