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Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
91–100 of 137 posts
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#92I was not homeless, but I raised from the lower-middle-class and upper-middle-class through rigorous effort I put on every day. If you haven't got any interviews, I would recommend you to do any part-time work for the time being and spend at least an hour or two to improve your technical skills every day. If not immediately, you will succeed eventually for sure as long as you keep improving yourself.
Would appreciate if you shared how you accomplished moving to upper middle class. Thanks!
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#93You might reach out to Michelangelo van Dam. He knows this story well, and continues to be an inspiration in the PHP community. He’s @dragonbe on Twitter.
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#94Earlier quoted context omitted.
Don't lie, but do fill in your empty time with something that isn't "unemployed" or irrelevant. Something such as running your own business is a good option.
> Don't lie, but do fill in your empty time with something that isn't "unemployed" or irrelevant. what could you (or someone else :)) suggest for the CV, if there were some family problems which came with mental/health issues for the past year, where I didn't found time to work on a project or get it finished? edit: especially for linkedin and similiar sites
Did you attend any events, watch anything related to the field, or read any articles related to it? That's bare minimum research right there.
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#95Mike Crawford was homeless, he would live in a tent and cook with canned food and a gas stove. It is a matter of finding the right clients that actually pay you than keep you from being paid. Start out small and work your way to larger clients. Mike is dead now, but he made it from homeless to having an apartment in the Portland area.
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#96I was homeless too, a rough sleeper throughout the UK for 3 winters. This was a long time ago, and I've been an engineer and now am a manager. I may not have a role (in London) that is shaped for you but I'm happy to look at your CV, see what roles we have that may fit you, and advise on what people look for in a CV. My email is in my profile.
I was also homeless a while back, but I was able to pick myself back up due to the existing support systems for the homeless, both public and private in the US. I eventually landed a job as a developer by the numbers ie I sent out tons of tailored CV’s and cover letters to virtually every job listing. Unlike you, I didn’t even have a degree back then. Just keep trying Jack. Luck favors the bold and persistent. Having a portfolio of projects also helps a lot
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#97Earlier quoted context omitted.
I prefer not to post my CV on a public domain, can you post your email so I can send my CV? Thanks. I am learning web and JavaScript now so if my skills are not there yet I would still like you to hold on to my CV to reconsider me once I have gained more experience.
That is a weird response. Why can't you post your CV in the 'public domain'? Also, no employer is going to 'hold on to your CV' while you upskill.
This person might not want the fact of their former homelessness tied to their real name, which posting their CV on a public site would do.
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#98Earlier quoted context omitted.
> in the absence of a CS degree you need a portfolio If you can demonstrate good programming skills I think most companies would still hire you even without past job experience (I assume that's what you mean by portfolio - if you mean Github projects then in my experience nobody really looks at those). A CS degree is also irrelevant - pretty much all programming jobs in the UK just want any technical degree. In all t…
I help decide on hiring decisions (company in California) and I absolutely look for a Github account with genuine content in it. Of course, many good candidates who get hired don't have one, but if you do, and if it shows that you have some ability to write/discuss/maintain software independently, then that's a big plus.
What do you think of a github account that's full of unfinished projects and commits that are rushed and not necessarily made for general consumption?
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#99I'd start studying how to combat imposter syndrome now, not later.
Re: Tell HN: I used to be homeless and want to work as a software developer
#100Earlier quoted context omitted.
That is a weird response. Why can't you post your CV in the 'public domain'? Also, no employer is going to 'hold on to your CV' while you upskill.
This person might not want the fact of their former homelessness tied to their real name, which posting their CV on a public site would do.
Fair enough. In reality though, its a poor strategy to not volunteer information, if you are looking for a job. It just creates another obstacle.