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Advice for what to do

8 points by weems ↗ HN
Basically the TLDR is I ran out of money and need to earn $5k USD to finish my degree. Been working on adding things to my github (http://github.com/weems) and website [ (http://weems.de). I am still trying to expand my skillset but largely I am Java, Python, Ruby, HTML, JS. Like so many others I am having trouble breaking into even the most entry level positions that require 2-5+ Years Experience at Minimum. Not a stupid sob story, I know I am not alone. Just trying to find the best way forward.

7 comments

[ 4.8 ms ] story [ 35.9 ms ] thread
jesusmichael
What do you mean by "trouble"? are you getting interviews? How many jobs are you applying for?

Consider working somewhere else to make $$. I drove a cab for a while to make ends meet. Its nice to work in your chosen field... but sometimes its impossible.

Keep plugging... Drop ruby focus on java... more $$

weems
Well in a Interview I was told it was clear I had ability but he couldn't take a risk on someone who hadn't finished.. :/
jesusmichael
then he's a dope...

So here is my challenge to you... You have to get out and talk to people who own businesses. See if you can go to networking functions. Let them know you're a SW developer, ENTRY LEVEL... you're looking for work in your field.

Call Real Estate agents (they make deals, so they'll be open to it) trade a new website (nothing too fancy) for a referral and a using their site a part of your portfolio...

If you don't any experience make some... UberX is hiring... code, drive, code... I'd love to take advantage of you and hire you for a project I'm doing... but it won't get you to your $5K goal... (i'm really cheap)

weems
well yeah I want to get to the eventual goal of work. But the thing is everyone wants to see the Bachelors as a kind of first line test. so I do want to work but at some point I do want to finish, I mean I already got this close to the finishing line. at this point its getting enough to go back for about a year of school. but some of it would be repeating courses. so its not exactly the most ideal thing to do, but it's where I am. let me know your email and I'll shoot you a message.
psyklic
Try talking to your university -- sometimes they have small loan options or may be able to qualify you for a grant, especially if you are very close to graduating.
weems
well I have FASFA Loans already so I am not sure that they will go for that. I asked about payment plans and they said that I can't continue until the amount is paid in full. and full disclosure I withdrew before I had too much to owe. So I am needing to transfer which I cant do until I pay off what I owe to the university directly. And thats not including Sallie Mae (~30k). It's a long story, to be sure.
eldude
Depends on how aggressive you are and what personal expenses you have. If you're smart most startups in the Valley won't care if you have a degree if you're willing to work hard and are effectively a new college grad. (Good experience for low pay is startup compensation default) Happy to help if I can (contact in profile). I never finished my degree. Didn't make a lick of difference.