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Ask HN: Been Unemployed for 5mo. what should I do next?

1 points by 71a54xd ↗ HN
I have 4yoe at startups and one faang and spent the past year (yr 5) working as a technical product manager. I think my multiple 2yr stints has made me un-hireable even as someone who isn't necessarily a "junior" engineer anymore.

For some reason I thought this would broaden my options however, the startup I was working for went under in early 2023. I've been getting by on contracting work for a friend's startup however it's just not enough.

I've made it to the final round of three TPM interviews but none converted.

Feels like I'm starting to lose hope, considering just driving a UPS truck or getting an electricians license. To call this a low point is an under statement.

Curious if anyone here has advice?

9 comments

[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 27.3 ms ] thread
h2odragon
> getting an electricians license.

I suspect you may be surprised by what's actually involved in that. Some locations it may not be a big deal, others it really is.

71a54xd
At this point, I'm astounded that although I got promoted at prior jobs and could previously interview pretty well that I'm basically not able to make a living doing software work. In theory, I'll be full time if my friend's startup can raise capital but that's certainly not guaranteed.
coldtea
What about the thousands upon thousands of regular programming jobs for people with less than FAANG experience? Between "driving a UPS truck" and getting a TPM job, there are lots of options in between.

And have you tried programming gigs (including remote)? Or it does absolutely have to be TPM or UPS?

71a54xd
I've had a very hard time finding good places to source further consulting gigs? Are there any you recommend?
sf4lifer
Hang in there. These 5 months rank among the worst times to get a job in software. Things will pick up in a couple of months. Make sure you're working on an interesting side project
71a54xd
Thanks for your thoughts here - fortunately I've been working on some relatively involved novel development for my friend's startup. Worst case I can just continue contracting and use this to gap fill my resume for a year or so.

I feel ashamed not due to the drop in my salary, but more so because I feel like I'm no longer improving my career. Feels like I'm moving backwards and its embarrassing I'm making less than I did right out of college at Amazon.

sf4lifer
Things don't always go up and to the right. Life is not linear. If things aren't going your way professionally, you can always work on your personal life or physical body. You're only moving backwards if you stop moving.
71a54xd
Fortunately, I have had a lot of time to work on my health. I now exercise 3 times a week and cook most of my meals so at least I have that going.