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Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

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Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#61

Post by epicureanideal »

I hope that even if you imagine the worst case scenario, and a worst case scenario that lasts for a year let’s say, if you can look beyond that year I hope there are things to look forward to that are worth making it through. And even if you can’t think of them now while you’re stressed, they’re probably there.

Maybe try to get some other employment, literally any kind? Or yes, like others said, get help from friends, family, etc.

I’m not sure what your family situation is but if you don’t have a family to support, there are a lot of ways for a software developer to earn money on very short notice, maybe not great money but enough to live on. Keep networking and letting people know you’re looking for work and maybe even let them know you’re looking for significantly underpaid work until things get back to normal.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#62

Post by Lapsa »

pr07ecH70r wrote: post #26

I am not an expert in "depression" although been there many times. What helped in my case were the short walks I made near town or in the park. This was the "pill" taken every day that turned the things around. Of course, if you really fill on the edge and "taking it the easy way out" you should definitely speak with someone! But try to take joy of the small things you have. Take it easy and slow and it will get bett…

oh yeah... walks are great

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#63

Post by JetAlone »

exolymph wrote: post #8
samsquire wrote: post #6

I would strongly look into your spiritual health. You shouldn't be thinking of anything negative. I was worried by what you meant by taking the easy way out. This means doing some soul searching and deciding you want to know the truth of spiritual reality. Look into the cause of evil and the source of good. For me, and I know it's probably not popular on HN but Jesus gets me through each day. Asking for a higher powe…

There are dozens of us! God bless :) > Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but…

Amen. Let us never commit the crime of self-murder, nor allow another to by negligence.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#64

Post by achow »

pr07ecH70r wrote: post #26

I am not an expert in "depression" although been there many times. What helped in my case were the short walks I made near town or in the park. This was the "pill" taken every day that turned the things around. Of course, if you really fill on the edge and "taking it the easy way out" you should definitely speak with someone! But try to take joy of the small things you have. Take it easy and slow and it will get bett…

I had my bootstrapped startup for 18+ months, which was not doing well, it was almost like being unemployed; last 6 months I was desperately applying for jobs without getting any traction.

What helped me at that time was Yoga (deep breathing exercises which is part of that was particularly helpful). Yoga used to keep me fresh and 'alive' during the day, so that I could continue looking for jobs without losing steam over period of time.

In the hindsight that single ritual (~4 days a week of morning Yoga), kept me going and now I'm at a good place, managed to recover not only from professional setback but also managed to recover from almost financial wipe-out during that 18-month period.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#65

Post by Lapsa »

plaguepilled wrote: post #59

There's a lot of good advice in this thread, so I'll keep my comment brief. Your value as a person is not determined by whether you are a good programmer. And. Your skill as a programmer is not determined by recruiters and hiring managers. If you want an actionable suggestion, focus on your physical and mental health first and foremost, and look to secure yourself financially. Exercise daily, sleep sufficiently, have…

despite my desperation, I usually bailed out application immediately when faced with some "general psychology tests" or timed inside browser coding excercises :D

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#66

Post by psicobajona »

I was on your position last winter. After 3 months of rejections there was a company that after some interviews it looked like I was going to get not only a job but a really good one. They told me that I need more experience, and that they were not sure about me on the role position. That was devastating for me. I was having the same thoughts as you do. 3 days later a company that I did not remember call me, we have a short call and after 5 days I was working. Give it some time!

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#67

Post by captainkrtek »

Speak with loved ones, friends, former colleagues. The times I've felt my lowest I’ve usually neglected the fact that I have people who care about me, but who don’t know I’m struggling. You will get through this period and look back on this time, keep your head up and move forward.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#68

Post by kbrackson »

Definitely use this time to study, create a new roadmap with new goals. For me, keeping routine is essential so you don't fall in a deeper emotional pit. Get up daily, set goals, do some open source projects if you got nothing else. If you want to pursue math or another career path, now is a good of a time as any. Keep applying for jobs but don't let it consume all your time, pick up side hustles to assist with debt/cash flow. Set aside a few hours a day for each pursuit, divide it up. Keep exercising and eating clean, don't doomscroll if you're feeling down.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#69

Post by xupybd »

Don't give up, you'll find work. Have you thought about doing some labouring while looking for work?

I've found that I rather enjoy some mindless physical work every now and then. It clears the mind and is good exercise. It doesn't pay well but keeps food on the table.

Good luck, don't give up, you can get out of the hole.

Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment

#70

Post by Lapsa »

nyokodo wrote: post #21

I know that stressed feeling and I know how it feels like it’s never going to end but believe it or not this is a big opportunity. You were in a rut and now you’re going to dig yourself out of it! But, you’re going to need to think differently. First, you need to face the truth that you matter infinitely more than your employment status, debt burdens, and past mistakes. Second, you have a lot to offer the world in wa…

there's secular therapists too :-)
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