Ask HN: Desperate Python Hacker Seeking Help and Suggestions

I don't really know where to start here, as I'm near the end of my rope.

For personal, family, and financial reasons, I've been looking for jobs (unsuccessfully) in west Michigan for the past year. Now, my savings are depleted, and I might be looking at homelessness if I'm not able to get something going quickly.

Background: I'm a graduate-educated Python hacker with advanced coursework in mathematics and a couple CS courses. In my studies, I've taken courses in graph theory, linear algebra, neural networks, numerical analysis, and theory of computation. I also audited a course in programming languages one semester simply because I was bored.

I first learned C nearly 20 years ago, and, though I can't really quote chapter and verse of the standard anymore, I'm still quite good at it. I've also used Python in school and as part of a short stint as a software tester for about 5 years. I'm also interested in learning Haskell and have been working on that for a couple of months.

I can code FizzBuzz in multiple idioms (functional, OO, procdural) in multiple languages. I know algorithms fairly well and love solving problems. I'm willing to do any test anyone has for me to prove my abilities. I do also have some public code on github, but it's just a couple small projects that aren't even really useful at this point.

In spite of all that, I haven't been able to turn it into a job in this area, because I have no real contacts in the industry (meaning I have to go through HR), and all the job ads specify things like "5 years C# experience," so I think my application is just ending up in file 13 because I don't tick the proper buzzwords.

I've tried Odesk &c and haven't been able to get any traction there. I don't really have the ability to do a startup because I'm about $100 short of "$100 and an idea" that's needed to do so. :/

I'd appreciate any help anyone has for me. Please either reply here (and please upvote! this account is, of course, a throwaway) or email to desperate_hacker@ymail.com.

Thank you all,

A Desperate Hacker

I realize you're using a new HN account, possibly throw-away, or you may actually be new here. At the start of every month on HN is a "Who's Hiring MM YYYY" thread (which includes remote work), and a "Freelancer/Seeking Freelancer" thread.

The most recent were on July 1st, and on Monday new ones for August will be posted. The most recent are linked below, but keep your eyes open for Monday.

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2719028

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2719083

good luck!

Have you considered a drastic move to SF, NYC, Boston, or another startup hotspot? Having no money in Michigan is no better than having no money in a more expensive city, so cost of living shouldn't even be a factor here.

Also, don't limit yourself to Python / C. Stress that you're able and willing to learn any programming language and solve any challenge that comes your way. I know there isn't a single unemployed Ruby developer in chicago, thanks to Groupon.

Finding a job as a developer is actually not that hard, in this economy. Be thankful you're in this industry and not, say, the automotive industry.

Do you have to stay in the area? Would you be willing to relocate?

I agree that any developer meetings (not just python) would be good for networking.

Other than the suggestions to move, why don't you have any industry connections in your area? Go to networking events, meetups, conferences, etc.

If you can't find any get on meetup.com and create a Python meetup. Even if you get 1 person to come you can say you organized the local meetup group.