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 ways that right now would surprise and amaze you. Third, you’re going to have to fundamentally change your strategy so you need to seek really specific advice about your situation with someone who can connect you to the right resources. Maybe tap your network for appropriate gigs, talk to a career counselor, a therapist at a local charity e.g. some Catholic Dioceses have free therapy charities, talk to a local Priest or Pastor who often help people in your situation and will know resources in your area. Digging yourself out of this rut is your new full time job, you’re the most qualified, and I believe in you! Good luck!
Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
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Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#22Don’t let this life defeat you. Keep your head up.
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#23Take care of your physical health, and go for long 5 mile (8 km) walks everyday. Mental health substantially depends on physical health and hope you feel better.
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#24"taking the easy way out"
Please don't ever. I have suffered from similar thoughts but largely have managed to get over them. Can you possibly take some contracting gigs ? It doesn't seem like you hate C++ but just hated the low paying job. If so, then there are quite a few consulting gigs you can grab just based on your C++ skills, especially in the financial world. Please try reaching out to some recruiters in the financial space. Is this something that would interest you ?
One other option is this company called crossover, it's a real shitty company and they monitor your every move and shit like that but they pay reasonably well, 100K+ and you can get in if you are reasonably good with code. I wouldn't recommend this, but since you are under a lot of debt, the money can be a lifesaver.
Another option is with database companies that are still on C and C++. ScyllaDB, Aerospike are a few options. They are hiring and if you need a referral at Aerospike, feel free to email me, email in profile. I worked there.
Lastly, weeks is not really that long to get a job. Some of the interview loops even at FAANG companies last for 4-6 weeks. So don't lose heart.
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#25This may not be what you want to hear pal, but consider getting 'just any job' for now, to make ends meet. It's not going to feel good, and you're probably going to hate it, but at least you won't be unemployed... which will feel better than being unemployed.
I may not be a programmer, but I have been in your shoes. It sucks. The abyss looks friendly sometimes when society is not.
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#26I 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 better! Job rejections are always tough, I personally also am taking them way too serious, while in reality the companies really don't care. What they care is to reduce costs, and increase gains. What I did when I was in the same situation, I just reworked my application docs several times, until reaching a satisfactory quality to hook the recruiting guys up, and reduced my salary expectation.
Regarding the Cpp, man I don't know in which country you are, but at least in Switzerland, my country, I stumble upon thousands of job openings for Embedded development engineers every day. Don't know your background, but try thinking a bit more broader.
Bottom line, take it easy, and try doing something you love every day consistently at least once. Tweak your Resume. There some good templates/suggestions in the net these days. Reduce expectations. DON'T read news!
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#27[dead]
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#28Did you ask more details?
try to find out what is lacking in your experience from their POV
Finding a job can take time even during good times, you already quit so only thing you can do is be persistent now and flexible to whatever comes up
In the meantime, Github is always a good option: contribute to OSS projects, show activity and your experience.
Maybe some of the companies regularly contributing to OSS would consider hiring you (RedHat etc?)
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#29Keep applying! It's very normal for a job search to take months. And it's possible that one of the companies will reach out to you down the line with an interview offer. It sounds like your resume could use some review. Consider reaching out to friends and experts. Good luck!
There's this meme that you get laid off on Friday, you send some emails on Monday, and you have a job by the end of the week. Not broadly true and certainly not at the moment.
But, yes, review resume and reach out. But also be prepared for this to be a multi-month process.
Re: Tell HN: Getting Ready for Unemployment
#30There is no easy way out for your family.
Sack up, work a restaurant job until you're back on your feet. Once you build your stacks back up at the restaurant job use that confidence to hit the job market and take what's yours. You got this, I believe in you.