31–40 of 81 posts
I don't think generalist is good from an employability standpoint. I've heard that I might get a PIP and there's really no options for me to move into. If I do get PIP'd then I'm thinking I'll try to find something like garbage collection to move into.
"Yes, I know it’s good to be a generalist, and I am, but employers seem to prefer to hire “experts” in particular domains." I don't think generalist is good from an employability standpoint. I've heard that I might get a PIP and there's really no options for me to move into. If I do get PIP'd then I'm thinking I'll try to find something like garbage collection to move into.
Being a specialist is best for maximizing salary and job security on a job.
Don’t learn frameworks, learn languages. If you are a good C, python, or JavaScript[1] developer you will have work for the rest of time. [1]: it is hazardously easy to end up as a framework programmer in JavaScript. If you are working in JavaScript I would strongly encourage you to learn one of the other two if you want to stay relevant for more than a few years.
languages are an implementation detail. What's really important is critical thinking, problem solving, and knowing how computers work.
If you just want a technology for which there will be a job for the next 5-10 years, you can pick literally anything out of a hat. e.g. COBOL still has plenty of jobs, and 10 years from now, there will still be COBOL jobs.
Do you want a job in a particular area? Do you want a particular type of employment arrangement? Do you want a large number of options? What salary range are you aiming for? What are your professional strengths? If you want a good job, you need to find something that matches your inherent desires and strengths... because if you don't, you'll be competing against people who are better match for the role than you are.
Your question is wrong. Your goal should not to be employable, 'get gigs'. We live in a time where the job market is shrinking, jobs are fewer, more applicants, lower wages, etc. If you rely on employers for your livelihood you are buying a lottery ticket where the payout is smaller and less frequent. If you are a "follower" you have no choice. But if you can think your way out of a paper bag use that skill and start…
https://github.com/JonLatane/jonline
Personal/Demo server (links to/includes data from the other two servers automatically): https://jonline.io
Servers for Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC (link to each other only): https://bullcity.social and https://oakcity.social
But um… how make money with it? I’m paying $60/mo for these 3 servers (and can bring it down to $40), and really stuck on how to monetize and get people using it.
Sadly I don't think software engineering is one of the skillsets that will keep you employable, I think it's gone forever
My LinkedIn inbox says otherwise.
The ability to collaborate across teams and orgs is critical to success. Gone are the days of holing up in your silo. Leadership teams want to see more collaboration from senior devs.
Got any evidence to support your statement?
I think with generative AI things will continue to move in this direction. Hands on code time will continue to shrink, time talking to people will continue to increase.
Personally I love to code, I love quiet time, I love getting into a flow. I'm 30 years into my career and I learned to program 10 years before that. I absolutely remember when things were very different than they are now, and I'm sure there are some places where they're still different. But I think the direction is clear, technical skills are constantly giving way to soft skills.
"Yes, I know it’s good to be a generalist, and I am, but employers seem to prefer to hire “experts” in particular domains." I don't think generalist is good from an employability standpoint. I've heard that I might get a PIP and there's really no options for me to move into. If I do get PIP'd then I'm thinking I'll try to find something like garbage collection to move into.
Being a generalist is best for minimizing downtime between jobs. Being a specialist is best for maximizing salary and job security on a job.
Meet people in your org and others and make friends, develop some soft skills. I think these things really are career differentiator.
Idk I think just get passionate about things, learn about them, and be curious. Maybe you’ll find something you can specialize in, maybe you’ll find a unique constellation of skills and interests. Do some side projects here and there, it’s a way to take charge of your own skill development… yeah it’s sad that work can’t always provide this; but that’s how it goes…
Oh and to your best ability don’t let what everyone else is saying get you down, there is a lot of cynicism going around here , people are feeling pain… don’t let that pain become yours.