I’ve been a SWE for more than 8 years now. It was so easy getting jobs 2-3 years ago. Now it’s like a never-ending battle if you’re trying to land a job in this market right now. Especially with AI on the rise, many companies and businesses are skeptical to hire software engineer who are not unicorns (many years in FAANG companies).

I’ve worked in corporate, startup environments, and i’ve failed now twice trying to make my own business.

In theory, if I was a unicorn in my craft (SWE) I should be able to create an application that gets alot of traffic and revenue. My point is, maybe it’s not the app/idea/software itself. It’s just who you know and how you can sell.

So SWE’s are pointless now pretty much? Go use wordpress with an experienced business guy and you already closer to being successful than a unicorn SWE.

Thoughts?

  • OneNineSevenNine@alien.topB
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    11 months ago

    I recently made the transition from Developer to Business Analyst because the industry is so hard right now.

    300 applications spread across 3 roles (BA, Developer and Team Lead).

    80% of the Applications were Developer. I had a friend who was in the same situation, 250 applications. Another friend, easily one of the best developers I know: 100.

    The industry is brutal right now.

      • OneNineSevenNine@alien.topB
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        11 months ago

        Here’s some of the things I did:

        • Keep resume short (2 page maximum)
        • Condense your points using key words, use ChatGPT
        • I like Applying in “waves” so that I don’t miss out on an opportunity that I think is good. So, one week I do 50 resume. Then I send like 10 the next.
        • Use ChatGPT to interview you or have a friend in the industry interview you
        • Some side project work can help keep your skills fresh.
        • (This may not be for everyone) Be prepared to sit down and look at Transferable Skills. You might have to start applying outside your domain.
        • Give yourself some grace. You’re not bad at this, the market is competitive. We all struggle and we’re all deserving of love and kindness. Especially to love of ourselves.

        It’s a grind. I ended up getting a Business Analyst position. Because tech simply wasn’t hiring.

        I’m happy where I am. But it was hard. A lot of stress.

        • mikels_burner@alien.topB
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          11 months ago

          Appreciate you taking the time to reply, & not just that, you offered a ton of value. Thank you brother , I needed that.