Ask HN: Can't get hired – what's next?

Post by recursive » Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 11:32 PM UTC

silvercymbals wrote: post #25

recursive wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There seems to be something wrong with your inflation numbers. According to BLS [0], $150k in August of this year has the same buying power as $118k in August of 2019. You might check some other sources, like median USA house prices. I've looked at a few. None come close to the numbers you're claiming. https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm

Regardless, calling $150k a "shockingly high" salary is hilarious in 2025.

Post by aaronrobinson » Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 11:32 PM UTC

silvercymbals wrote: post #7

leakycap wrote: post #2

You have set a high goal of $150k salary without a clear way to achieve it, or a clear passion, if I'm reading correctly. What is your depth of knowledge in? You say software? Law would be an risk idea if you don't love it with all your heart, even people who love law hate it by the end of law school.

People on HN saying $150k is a "high bar" is frankly insulting. Anyone in the bay who's not a founder or working for a meaningless company easily clears $200k. I've started two companies, exited one and technically have the skills of a "senior engineer". I've managed teams of engineers and have architected remote factory production systems for one of my companies along with a dozen or so relatively complex web apps i…

Post by le-mark » Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 11:33 PM UTC

silvercymbals wrote: post #15

vunderba wrote: post #10

Though my academic background is in computer science, I've spent years working in other sectors such as translation and education (areas that are fortunately easier to pivot into without years of rigorous accreditation like law or medicine). I derive a great deal of personal satisfaction from working in these fields, but given your relatively high salary prerequisites, they'd likely be nonstarters for you. It's hones…

I initially worked for Amazon out of college (where I have a legit CS degree), but yeah it's mostly startups. Fortunately I have evidence of progression at each. I was a technical co-founder for the past two years. Spent the past six months at an accelerator in SF (YC tier) but my concept just wasn't a viable business. Frankly, I'm really tired of startups and just want a normal job for a while. I don't really care a…

Post by silvercymbals » Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 11:33 PM UTC

jinushaun wrote: post #20

I’m in the same boat, but fortunately have a job right now. I’m not sure what I’ll do after this current one. Seems like the interview pipeline is geared towards new grads and junior engineers and penalize senior and staff. At what point do I stop having to do these silly coding interviews?! At what point does my resume and 20 yrs of experience speak for itself? So called senior/staff interview loops are a joke with…

Post by s5300 » Wed, Oct 15, 2025, 11:35 PM UTC

everyone wrote: post #28

"real career (earns more than $150k per annum)" "make a decent salary and work 50hr weeks" You sound incredibly privileged and entitled. I this just a ragebait post?