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Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

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Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#3
post #2

So far sadly it seems to be in deep shit. Worst i can remember and keeps getting worse. The top point in my perception was reached in late 2022 and it keeps getting worse and worse ever since.

How far back can you remember? So I can put it in context.

Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#4
Tech giants like Meta and Amazon restarted large-scale hiring in Q4 2023-Q1 2024, with software engineer roles increasing by ~18% YoY (LinkedIn data). However:

Entry-level positions face fierce competition (average response rate <20%). Senior roles (5+ years) command salaries exceeding $150K, especially for AI/machine learning and full-stack experts.

Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#6
post #3
post #2

So far sadly it seems to be in deep shit. Worst i can remember and keeps getting worse. The top point in my perception was reached in late 2022 and it keeps getting worse and worse ever since.

How far back can you remember? So I can put it in context.

2002

Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#7
post #6
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How far back can you remember? So I can put it in context.

2002

Hmm - I'm not sure I'd put the current situation up there with the dot com bomb or the 2008 recession...but its definitely not good

Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#8
post #7
post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

2002

Hmm - I'm not sure I'd put the current situation up there with the dot com bomb or the 2008 recession...but its definitely not good

2002 was already past the dot com bomb, but as for 2008 recession, SURELY getting a custom dev job in 2008 was easier than now, and in 2009... well maybe about as hard as now.

Re: Is the job market for software devs starting to improve?

#10
Don't rely on gut feeling or anecdotal evidence, there's good data you can look at.

Over a few years, I came to rely on proxy indicators that I found to be reliably in sync with the strength / weakness of the job market for software engineers.

One of these indicators is the business spending index (it has an official name, something about purchasing managers' sentiment index or similar). CNBC tends to show it a lot these days, you can't miss it.

Another one is "US Auto Loans Delinquent by 90 or More Days (I:USALD90)" which is a very good "finger to the wind" for how the overall economy is doing, since everyone needs a car.

Neither of these indicators are looking good these days.

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