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Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

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Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#1
I'm absolutely lost. I have been coding for so long but I have never had a software development job, I've been self taught and been on this road for so long. Surprisingly I have been extremely active in sports, I'm extroverted, I love being social and coding has been my passion. I can't get a job because the requirements and qualifications is way too demanding even though I am 100% I can handle the work load and delivery whatever it is the companies need.

I did 5 years of PHP, HTML, CSS, Javascript, I studied Java in University, I have done Python, and for the past two years Objective-c/Swift I've built 15 applications.

It is extremely hard in this industry that is changing so fast and it is very competitive.

I really feel like giving up.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#3
I can't really say I know exactly how you feel, but I can safely say I've been in a slightly similar position before. And honestly, every time I look at frameworks like Angular or React, I feel like throwing in the towel right then!

I think it's a good idea to choose a niche, and stick to it. Full-stack devs are awesome, but there's nothing wrong in sticking to a particular competency. Looking at your profile, it seems you're pretty good at writing Swift/Obj-C apps. If that really interests you, why not stick to mobile as a domain? I feel it's easier to keep track of how the ecosystem changes, in one field.

As for jobs. I'm not entirely sure what the problem here is, but I know what it's like to not have the right qualifications. I studied engineering for two years, dropped out because the coursework had zero coding, studied Russian for 6 months and then dropped out again due to campus politics. But I've managed to hold jobs with IBM, Cvent and some media houses simply because I could convince the overlords that the lack of a professional degree didn't stop me from executing what was expected. But it was hard. Have you tried checking out spaces/events where startups converge, and probably pitch your skills to them? A good place to start would be coworking spaces. Establish a relationship with the space's owners/managers, and they'll happily introduce you to teams who need your expertise. Many startups don't care what certificates you've got, so long as you add value. And if there's a startup that does look for a degree - well, you probably don't want to join them anyway.

I hope this helps. Please don't give up - obviously you love writing code, and there's no reason why circumstances should make you give up doing something you love. :)

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#4
post #3

I can't really say I know exactly how you feel, but I can safely say I've been in a slightly similar position before. And honestly, every time I look at frameworks like Angular or React, I feel like throwing in the towel right then! I think it's a good idea to choose a niche, and stick to it. Full-stack devs are awesome, but there's nothing wrong in sticking to a particular competency. Looking at your profile, it see…

Thank you Sealord, You post means alot,

I would love to stick to mobile apps but majority of companies are looking for "Senior iOS developer" and the funny thing is they list frameworks that literally just surfaced in the tech community, yet these HR reps are asking for seniority and expert levels, on top of that you have things like Superiority in problem solving, x amount of years in agile dev/dev ops principles..etc

This is the overwhelming area, even if I want to do mobile development they ask for things that are senior level!

Your suggestion about establishing a relationship with space owners, and approaching startups is a good idea, I haven't thought about that to be honest.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#5

Show your project on application and ignore requirements. Just stupid HR could ignore you. Also, pm a CEO or DM/PM.

Thanks Dan, I am currently trying my final attempt and last hope that maybe if I show them a portfolio or link them to my github account, they are willing to hire.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#6
post #3

I can't really say I know exactly how you feel, but I can safely say I've been in a slightly similar position before. And honestly, every time I look at frameworks like Angular or React, I feel like throwing in the towel right then! I think it's a good idea to choose a niche, and stick to it. Full-stack devs are awesome, but there's nothing wrong in sticking to a particular competency. Looking at your profile, it see…

Thank you Sealord, You post means alot, I would love to stick to mobile apps but majority of companies are looking for "Senior iOS developer" and the funny thing is they list frameworks that literally just surfaced in the tech community, yet these HR reps are asking for seniority and expert levels, on top of that you have things like Superiority in problem solving, x amount of years in agile dev/dev ops principles..e…

I've got friends who're HR professionals, and I'll say it anyway - they're idiots. I'm yet to see an HR person who genuinely understands how dev ecosystems change, and what they should really look out for as opposed to what their books in business school said.

On an ideal note, try not to go for companies that have HR doing recruitments. It's bound not to work in your favor. Your best bet is to interact directly with product owners because they know what they're looking for, and it's easier to have a direct conversation with them about the best tool/framework for the job. And a lot of startups are liberal - they have "preferred" tools/frameworks, but they're happy with someone coming in with a different option.

Please do try checking out coworking spaces. If there's startup events in your area, try them out too. A lot happens when there's a casual chat over a coffee/beer. I should know, I met my cofounders over a joint.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#7
It depends upon where you're located. Are you looking for remote work? Its far more difficult to get hired for a remote job than to find one that is local to your area. The bulk of remote jobs go to engineers in inexpensive countries not in places like LA and SF with a high cost of living.

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#8
post #7

It depends upon where you're located. Are you looking for remote work? Its far more difficult to get hired for a remote job than to find one that is local to your area. The bulk of remote jobs go to engineers in inexpensive countries not in places like LA and SF with a high cost of living.

Toronto, ON!

I agree

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#9
What I did/do is pick something that I like/challenging/be-able-to-grow(backend) + has community/jobs(like python) + doesn't change every six months(like js stuff) + has good working conditions/payment(unlike gamedev) and be good at that. All humans(should?) specialize for better ~everything (doctors!,farming! etc).

Makes sense ?

Re: Ask HN: I'm 24, coding since 14, and I don't know what to do

#10
Find a niche and start a company -- solve something you hit as a programmer for example. Expose an API and call it good. You seem uniquely qualified being extroverted and competent. It's a crazy long shot I know but I found that only when I was day-tading (not the same thing) I was happiest because I was earning for myself and making my own hours and best of all trying to see if my hypothesis (or in your case your company) could pass the test in the market.
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