Ask HN: Where do you find the interesting jobs?

Seconded!

This approach has worked for me several times over the years.

It takes time and patience. The companies you target aren't always hiring the roles you want. I've been lucky a few times, with opportunities arising just as I've been laid off, but part of that is the groundwork. I keep looking at them even when happy and secure, and tweak my skills in the right directions.

This can also work for other factors, like nice offices or short commutes. I also keep my eye on the jobs board at a company with a landmark HQ nearby.

First, you need to actually value interesting work in relation to other job values (like compensation, good working hours, low stress, making a difference, family friendliness, good management and many others). Generally these will be a tradeoff, but you might find one where the tradeoff suits you. For instance I had a job I really enjoyed at an Earth Observation startup geeking out about maps and space, but the comp was pretty mediocre and the management abysmal. But it was enough for my needs at the time and I'm reasonably good at managing up so it didn't bother me too much. Many of my former colleagues left that job dissatisfied, since the tradeoff wasn't to their liking.

Second, always be looking. You are right in observing that 99% of job ads seem totally boring. Partially this can be helped with some filters on job boards, I tend to just filter out "Finance" and "Advertising" since I know that I have basically zero interest in those domains. But the chance that you'll find a great interesting job where you skillset is even vaguely compatible at the time you need it is pretty low. It's better to keep looking well before you need to.

Third, if you meet someone in your field who's working at a place that seems interesting, ask if they're hiring. Even if not, there's a chance that next time they are, the person will remember you. Or perhaps in their next company...

Finally, cultivating a broader skillset rather than a highly specialised one can make this easier, since many interesting companies are probably not doing the exact same everyone else is, so they might need someone who seems more adaptable.

Good luck!

If you don't journal your ideas and thoughts then I suggest you create a GitHub repository and begin journalling in markdown for minimal friction.

Then do it everyday. You'll think of something interesting, or a problem that needs solving, or pain you see in the world around you.

You have criteria for what you find interesting, you need to dig deep inside yourself to unearth what you're keeping bottled up inspiration.

Then revisit your journal frequently, add to it, remix it and begin sideprojects.

See my profile for my journal, I have 450+ software idea and startup idea entries.

Intersection of supply curve of people able and willing to do the work and demand curve of people able and willing to pay.

Check out the Digital Services Coalition.

https://digitalservicescoalition.org/#/story

Like others have said, it depends a lot on what you find interesting, but these companies are doing good work trying to improve digital services for people who are in or interact with the government.

Sometimes the projects are greenfield and you can choose your stack; sometimes you'll be dealing with legacy code, skeptical stakeholders, and government bureaucracy. Culture tends to be supportive and inclusive, most of the companies work remote, pay is good--but not top of the market--and consulting isn't for everyone, but most days you feel like you're doing something worthwhile with your skills.

(I work for one of these companies)