by kypro | 2025-04-07 22:43:44+00:00
Stop looking for a job and start looking for experience. I entered the workforce during the GFC (and while still being in education) and I worked for literal peanuts for years. Sometimes even for free. I lived between my childhood bedroom, friends places and my girlfriends place eating only peanut butter and egg sandwiches for almost 2 years because it was the cheapest way I could get enough protein and carbs.

You might think working for nothing is a bad deal and that it would be exploitative but you need to remember it's temporary and a little bit of experience will make it 10x easier when it comes to applying for jobs a year or two down the road. Almost any employer is going to pick someone with a bit of experience over someone with none.

I don't know how much you're paying for your education right now, but even assuming you can only find unpaid work this is literally infinitely better than the negative income you're receiving in return for improved career prospects right now. I find it quite crazy that people will so happily drop tens of thousands of dollars on an education for a chance at a good career, but are also completely unwilling to work for free for a few months to get the experience they need. Experience is extremely cheap to acquire relative to the cost of education.

The market sucks at the moment and I've argued for some time it's probably only going to worsen due to structural shifts in the global economy, and tech specifically. Keep this in mind and try not to blame yourself because it's easy to give up. I had a lot of friends who studied comp sci with me who ended up getting regular jobs because they struggled to find work after graduating.

If I were you I would look for a niche which isn't fully technical because that will give you more security from automation and outsourcing standpoint. If I were in your shoes I'd probably look for local startups and offer to work every day for free and do literally any job they asked of me. Startups are good place to start your career because they always have lots of random jobs that need doing without anyone to do them. Because of this they can be great places to find out what you enjoy and where you can add the most value. If you're concerned about where you'll live sleep literally anywhere someone is willing to offer you a bed or a sofa, but if you have to move back with your parents temporarily that isn't the end of the world.

I wish I could start my career again. I have a well paid job today, but I'd still love to be in your position. The problem when you get to my level is that life is good but expensive. It's very hard to learn new skills or shift your career when you have dependents and a mortgage to pay. Unless you want to up end your life for little to no return you just have to follow the money. But for you the whole world is at your feet. I guarantee there's hundreds of interesting companies in your area who would love to bring in new talent but they can't justify it because money is too tight. Find them and let them know how much you'd appreciate the opportunity to get some experience with them. Pick up skills, form connections, and see where it takes you. In my experience most opportunity in life comes from meeting the right people, being loyal to them and providing them value. That is what you should be focused on doing.

In my opinion there's not a simple path to a good life these days. "The system" will almost always fail you. I know it shouldn't be this way, but you have to accept the cards you a dealt and play your best hand.

Hope this helps.