Ask HN: Desperate Python Hacker Seeking Help and Suggestions

Here's the most recent one from June, looking for freelancers (I'm not sure if a July one was posted):

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2607058

And here's a list of some more recent threads:

http://news.ycombinator.com/submitted?id=whoishiring

I imagine you're pretty stressed out, but hang in there, and good luck.

(Woops – looks like jcr beat me to it. His/her comment has even more recent information.)

If you were doing commercial-grade programming in Uni (or before) or any open source then consider that valid experience.

Finally, just because a job says 5 years experience, and you don't have it, doesn't mean that they won't consider your resume if you submit it. Better to hear the hiring manager say "no" then not submit your resume at all. Case in point, I don't have a college degree but I think every job I've ever held in my 12 years in this industry has asked for one on the requirements. I don't have one but I can do the job so I just applied anyway otherwise I'd never work!

Although I didn't get to check it out, there is a great Python User Group that meets regularly (I believe every other Monday) at various locations in GR, usually at Calvin College. Join the group and they'll send out regular updates. Ben Rousch is the contact there, he also runs the local Web Dev User group. I've exchanged emails with him before, he is a great guy and very helpful. It might not hurt to get in touch with him.

More importantly, just recently someone put up a job posting on the group looking for a python/django programmer. I suggest you check it out. http://www.fiveq.com/blog/employment/fiveq-employment-opport...

It might not hurt to drop into Atomic Object, they're growing and usually hiring as well: http://www.atomicobject.com/pages/Working+at+Atomic+Object

If I can be any help to you, perhaps putting you in contact with other people then let me know. My email is listed on my profile page.

Best of luck.

As for complexity, FizzBuzz is nothing like Hello World. Hello World only shows that one knows how to make a program compile/interpret and display fixed output. FizzBuzz demonstrates the above, plus an understanding of looping, basic arithmetic operations, and how to create program flow from that. Like it or not, that covers most of the actual coding requirements of probably 90% of jobs out there. It shouldn't be a deciding factor in getting hired, but it's an excellent first step in weeding out those who shouldn't be considered.