If I had the chance I would spend one or two days doing nothing, the next few days thinking of what I wanted to do... making a plan. Then would start walking towards my goals.
Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
71–80 of 207 posts
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#72Hey, send me a message so we can chat - our company is looking for talented JavaScript developers.
https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=43649275
www.helloinnovation.com
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#73First, this is common and it's not a big deal. Layoffs happen, even to great developers. Ask about severance, but don't get pushy or threatening if not offered it (you don't want an extortion rap). Ask about a guaranteed positive reference (by contract, and with LinkedIn recommendations) and do be pushy or threatening if not offered it. Have your references checked in any case by a third party. Don't sign non-dispara…
Thanks. This is great.
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#74Try to retain your former boss as a customer, likely they'll need you two weeks time.
Brilliant Jedi mind trick.
"These aren't the droids you're looking for."
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#75Hey fellow Clevelander here, if you're interested just last week someone hit me up for some long term (3-6 months) JS contract work. Contact info in profile, I have a line on a couple other opportunities but this one might float you while you figure out your situation
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#76Hey thecolorblue, if you are interested in some contract work I'd like to talk to you. You can find contact info in my hn profile.
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#77So my guess is this is the first time you've been let go, or this is the first time as an adult (post-college) during your profession that you've been let go. Relax, it happens. This doesn't mean you aren't a terrific developer and person to work with. Take a little time to think about what you've worked on, what you've accomplished in the past 6-12 months I think you'll see what a great position you really are in. A…
What's the benefit of a startup? Seems like more hours for less pay while always needing to get things done. I fail to see the appeal. They just have lunches and dinners which appeal to people.
Aside from all the other (very good) answers regarding technical and corporate culture, the potential for a windfall--either monetary or career--is higher than in a company that either already has or likely never will go public or otherwise exit.
I say career because even if you don't make a lot of money, being an early technical member of a successful startup usually A) gives you a fair amount of visibility and credibility in the tech community and B) leads to a number of other job opportunities with startups with more responsibility and/or equity. Being able to execute under pressure is a valuable quality, and once founders or even VC firms know you can do it they start cherry-picking you.
Edit: should also add, don't go working for a startup just to go make money off equity. The grand majority won't make you much unless you're a very early hire; you'll probably make more over the same amount of time by investing your higher salary, ESPP, etc. at a more established company. Make sure the other factors are the "real" reason, with potential cash being a secondary one.
But I mention it because you ask why other people do it, and that's one reason why.
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#78Hello fellow Clevelander! Sorry you were let go.
I hope you stay in Cleveland. I collected links of tech companies and job resources in the Cleveland area.
http://faehnri.ch/cleveland-careers/
I don't know any one directly that is looking or could help you, but feel free to contact me if you think I can help you with anything.
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#79> I have looked into doing freelance work, but as I am self taught my CS skills are not as solid as other developers, and my design skills are just about average Skills have very little baring on success as a freelancer. 99.99% of clients will not care what language, framework, algorithm or pattern you use to create their product. The biggest issue as a freelancer is clients. Clients are absolute hell.
Clients generally don't care about or understand your technology choices. People and process management are at least as important to freelance success as programming or design skill. That much I definitely agree with.
I wouldn't describe my clients as hell, though--not by a long shot. But I've been freelancing full time for seven years, moonlighting five before that, and I've learned to avoid (and am able to do without) bad clients for the most part.
Way back in the beginning, when I didn't much know what I was doing and sold even that work way too cheap, there were some pretty bad times.
Re: Ask HN: I got let go this morning. What should I do next?
#80Hey man, I feel your pain. I was just let go today, as well! Along with 40% of this company.
I was laid off last year so this is my second time going through this in a year. I can tell you, I'm not nearly as worried this time around.
A lot of places need good developers, and I already have recruiters calling me. If you end up needing a 9-5 you can get one.
Me, I think I'm going to put everything into my side project. Then follow my dreams and move down to South America for a while and backpack.
Hopefully, I can pick up some part-time remote work along the way.