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Four years a go I finished my degree in computer programming. But since then I haven't had a job.
I have a disability that effects my speech, this has played a negative role on my confidence to look for work. I always thought, "I have the degree, I am keeping up with the skills, I'll get a job when ever I want to"
My thinking was that, for an entry position employers just want someone that knows how to do the job. I know how to do the job, so no problem. Now though, I am scared to look for work, I keep thinking that maybe the 4 year gap is going to be a big problem. Yes I'd be great at a junior role, but so would every 21 year old graduating now. Why would they take me and not them
Ever since I remember, I never wanted kids, I still don't. This (not having the desire to create a family and think about kids future) also made me think that I have enough time to do what I need to do to gain confidence and then start my career. Now I truly feel ready for work. I know that I am a grown ass man acting like a kid (not wanting to work), but I truly believe that I needed these years to work on insecurities - nothing that I could spin in an interview, but the books I read, the gym training I have done, and the keeping up with programming made me think "to hell with the fact that I can't talk that well. I'm strong (which might be overrated when we are), definitely able to do a juniors job - and more. I am ready for work".
But from an employable perspective, am I screwed?
No, you are not screwed and you are still a young man. Don't let your disability get in your way of finding a job, I don't believe many will hold that against you. Best of luck to you.
You will have to be exceptionally good in your craft to stay ahead these days. Don't forget, there are people abroad who will program for near minimum wage, no benefits, and will work 20 hours a day.
You will have to be exceptionally good in your craft to stay ahead these days. Don't forget, there are people abroad who will program for near minimum wage, no benefits, and will work 20 hours a day.
That would also be valid for all beginners though. If employers get workers from abroad, then all college graduates are similarly at disadvantage
That would also be valid for all beginners though. If employers get workers from abroad, then all college graduates are similarly at disadvantage
Good job not letting the negative people get you down. There are plenty of interesting, well paying jobs still in the US. It may be harder than it used to be but it's definitely not impossible to find them.
I strongly suggest that you look into any open source projects that you can get involved in. This will show employers that you know how to work in a team environment and that you are still sharp on programming. You could do something as simple as helping to update documentation, or helping to document the code. There are plenty of options.
On the speech impediment part - we have a very senior engineer at our company who has a speech impediment and still meets with customers. I think taking time off of work to improve your self confidence was far more important to your future than trying to work while feeling down about it.
I strongly suggest that you look into any open source projects that you can get involved in.
That's something I have looked into recently. Already got chatting with someone through reddit that told me how I could contribute in his project (starting with basic stuff to get the hang of how open source works)
Quote:
Originally Posted by JakeWilliams
I think taking time off of work to improve your self confidence was far more important to your future than trying to work while feeling down about it.
Even though I am scared of whether I'll be able to overcome the gap in employers eyes, without trying to sound stubborn, I really believe in the idea that taking the time was good for me personally. In these years I have improved a lot, but of course none of that improvement is work related
Thanks Jake
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