My problem is I let myself stay too long and the only thing I know is CS. I became too comfortable, too complacent and now I’m afraid to try something else. It doesn’t make me a bad person. No matter how much I now dislike the company my fear of leaving for the unknown is the only reason why I’m still here. Which makes the coming layoffs even scarier for me.
7 replies (most recent on top)
Hang in there, skill up - market is red hot. You're going to do great.
I fully expect to see tenured blue folks that hit sabbatical this/next year hang on and then run for the hills. Already happening on some teams. Good bye tenured folks.
You should go to Control Data Institute and start your exciting career in electronics or computer programming. Don't let it get away with a excuse like, "sure I can call CDI tomorrow." Tomorrow... tomorrow.... tomorrow....
Learn, get certs. Apply. There is TON of jobs out there.
The truth will set you free, it did me. I was with CS over 20 yrs when I finally left. All I can can say is when you face the truth and follow your heart, good sh!t happens. :-)
You have nothing to lose by putting yourself on the job market. The worse that could happen is you don’t called back, you gain valuable experience for the the next interview, and you still have your comfortable job. At best, you find your dream job working for a great company. If you’re concerned about being laid off, now is a good time to start while you’re still getting a paycheck.
In my personal experience, new jobs have always been exciting and a big boost to my motivation. Since you’ve been at CS so long, you may be surprised at how much better things can be elsewhere. I’m sure Legacy TDA folks can attest to that. Once you make the jump you’ll be kicking yourself for waiting so long.
Dude. I don't know what area of CS you are in. But it can't be that bad. You will be surprised at what you actually know, and can do. That's all I can really say.
You cannot change the past. But you have recognized the things that you need to change going forwards.
Work on yourself. Get some training. Get some certifications. Make yourself more attractive to future employers. Apply for some jobs outside. You don't have to accept any offers. But the process itself will give you more confidence that you can survive outside CS. Or it'll tell you which skills you need to work on.