Ask HN: Desperate Python Hacker Seeking Help and Suggestions

Post by the_cat_kittles » Sun, Jul 31, 2011, 12:44 AM UTC

Arro wrote: post #78

bfe wrote: post #40

As someone born and raised in Michigan and whose partner was also born and raised in Michigan, my advice is that other than visiting grandparents and hiking and touring breweries, you will find your opportunities tremendously expanded by as quickly as possible getting the fuck out of Michigan.

Another Michigan ex-pat here to completely agree. Grew up in mid-Michigan, went to a big university there for CS, and I wasn't interested in writing .NET or Java for an insurance company. That led to moving to SF to hack on Python and JavaScript with other hipster hackers. The only thing I really miss is Michigan's summer heat (it's mid 60's and windy here - in July).

Post by csomar » Sun, Jul 31, 2011, 1:00 AM UTC

mtogo wrote: post #20

SeoxyS wrote: post #5

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 Ru…

Have you considered a drastic move to SF, NYC, Boston, or another startup hotspot? Ah yes, it's so easy to move when you can't even afford $100 to start a company. Great advice. Finding a job as a developer is actually not that hard, in this economy. Looks like you're wrong, in this instance at least.

Post by helpmehn » Sun, Jul 31, 2011, 1:10 AM UTC

18pfsmt wrote: post #67

I may be able to help you directly with work rather than give advice. Whether you are married, have kids, or other obligations is of major importance, however. I could even possibly set you up with your own br/ba once my remodel is finished. I prefer not to use email without GPG, so rather than email I will put my phone number in my profile if I see you are actively following the replies.

Post by tootlol » Sun, Jul 31, 2011, 1:28 AM UTC

strlen wrote: post #103

strlen wrote: post #48

There are a number of open source Python projects that have vendors associated with them (or large corporate users). OpenStack is one such example, but there's also various scientific libraries, e.g., NumPy/scipy that may better suited to your background. Typically open source-heavy companies are more open to remote/distributed work: I am not saying working remotely full-time, but something along the lines of working…

Quick clarification by: "pick a substantial sub-project (not something trivial), start contributing to it", I mean: _Implement_ a non-trivial module for the project in question , i.e., do much more than fix a few bugs. Since you are junior (no actual development experience), it might not be realistic to hope for a remote position even in companies otherwise friendly to it. You need to make it a point to move for at l…

Post by helpmehn » Sun, Jul 31, 2011, 1:38 AM UTC

rdl wrote: post #72

Is there anything (other than money) stopping you from moving to San Francisco (well, Mountain View) next week? It would be pretty easy to find a tech company willing to do phone/internet screen for a day or two remotely, and then fly you out for interview. If it goes well, you'd probably be pressured to just stay and work and then have someone else pack up/ship your stuff :) You should have done this instead of wast…