Got retrenched, but looking for a career change

[Sp1dr]

Hey guys, so this year I got retrenched (long story but I think it's for the best).

Now thankfully I have insurance and combined with UIF I will be earning more than I used to for the next 12 months, and i received a small retrenchment package from the company.

I would like to turn this downer into an upper, I have read so many success stories where people transition into development careers from completely unrelated fields that I feel like I just have to give it and follow my dream.

Where I was: Thermal energy modelling, SANS 10400XA compliance reports. (Govt. is changing laws making the industry kind of redundant)
Where I want to be: Programmer/Developer (and finish my BSc CS, and onward)

What I have done: CS50 on edX, Java Masterclass on Udemy, HTML/CSS/JavaScript on Codecademy, HTML/CSS/JavaScript on FreeCodeCamp, I enrolled in University Of the People BSc CS distance learning and completed half of the computer science/math courses so far before running out of money.

Now figuring the above and realizing that I don't have the cash on hand to finish my degree, I decided to go the certification route and continue studies at a later stage. With that I am in the final stages of prep for the Oracle Java SE 8 programmer 1 certification.

I have sent my CV out to a few local companies here in Durban, but nothing really came of that. I guess because I don't yet have a solid industry recognized certification/qualification, hence why I am going the Oracle route.

What demotivates me is seeing job postings for Junior developers, but they require a CS degree and 3 years experience on the job etc. But where can someone like me start? I am willing to work extremely hard but I just need a foot in the door. Any advice welcome, I am holding off on sending my CV out for the moment at least until I get the Oracle Certification, I feel like that will give more weight to everything else I have done.

 

[dxvapor]

Hey man,
It can be demotivating to see the list or requirements when wanting to enter the field.
I got lucky to get a job at a company taking interns from a college right before my funds ran out to finish my studies (was about 4 months away from finishing).

This was 7 years ago and I still have not finished, but since then I have moved to different companies. so the TL;DR I have learnt from that, is they don't mind taking the risk of not having a degree if you can prove that you can do the work.

I'd say don't be too greedy when entering the field (financial wise) as long as someone gives you that first chance to just get into it, and get some experience on your CV.

You could also do personal projects on a showcase to present on your CV, companies would eat that shit up.


To help you in finding a company that might be willing to take the risk, use the platform OfferZen ( Make sure to put me as your referral if you have any success!) . They are great and puts you up for "Auction" for companies in a sense.

I'd also suggest that you broaden the field of knowledge to more in demand frameworks and languages. I.E NodeJS,React, Angular etc. etc. You could also possible take the route of going down the limited skills route, Learning something like Scala (which has high demand) and you would most likely get the job due to very little people being able to do it. But you would still have to pass logical tests, and basic coding principles.

A good way to get ahead in this area is take whatever you plan on working with, and learn some theoretical information about it, what makes it strong, where is its downfalls. how do people use, where it began, what type of design patters does it work good with.

Just my 2c, hope it helps you in any way!

 

[Ron McDon]

Edited

 

[Sp1dr]

Hey man,
It can be demotivating to see the list or requirements when wanting to enter the field.
I got lucky to get a job at a company taking interns from a college right before my funds ran out to finish my studies (was about 4 months away from finishing).

This was 7 years ago and I still have not finished, but since then I have moved to different companies. so the TL;DR I have learnt from that, is they don't mind taking the risk of not having a degree if you can prove that you can do the work.

I'd say don't be too greedy when entering the field (financial wise) as long as someone gives you that first chance to just get into it, and get some experience on your CV.

You could also do personal projects on a showcase to present on your CV, companies would eat that shit up.


To help you in finding a company that might be willing to take the risk, use the platform OfferZen ( Make sure to put me as your referral if you have any success!) . They are great and puts you up for "Auction" for companies in a sense.

I'd also suggest that you broaden the field of knowledge to more in demand frameworks and languages. I.E NodeJS,React, Angular etc. etc. You could also possible take the route of going down the limited skills route, Learning something like Scala (which has high demand) and you would most likely get the job due to very little people being able to do it. But you would still have to pass logical tests, and basic coding principles.

A good way to get ahead in this area is take whatever you plan on working with, and learn some theoretical information about it, what makes it strong, where is its downfalls. how do people use, where it began, what type of design patters does it work good with.

Just my 2c, hope it helps you in any way!

Hey man, thank you for the advice, I have been meaning to broaden my skills, I keep seeing Haskel and/or Scala as advantageous on most positions. I'm basically browsing jobs but looking at the requirements and trying to see how I can better position myself. I have used NodeJS before, to develop my own energy monitoring solution. I used NodeJS on the server, Mongo as the DB, and used Google material Web app api on the webserver. But these are 'tinker' projects rather than anything I feel an employer will be impressed by.

I am definitely going to learn React, there's a nice course on edX from Harvard just on React.

 

[dxvapor]

Hey man, thank you for the advice, I have been meaning to broaden my skills, I keep seeing Haskel and/or Scala as advantageous on most positions. I'm basically browsing jobs but looking at the requirements and trying to see how I can better position myself. I have used NodeJS before, to develop my own energy monitoring solution. I used NodeJS on the server, Mongo as the DB, and used Google material Web app api on the webserver. But these are 'tinker' projects rather than anything I feel an employer will be impressed by.

I am definitely going to learn React, there's a nice course on edX from Harvard just on React.

Any personal project should impress the employer. It shows willingness to learn, giving them examples of it might reinforce certain qualities in you they are looking for. Some employers might be looking for someone who's attention to detail is above average, because that is what they are lacking in their team. or they might be looking for someone who picks up new skills at a amazing rate, because they might frequently switch technologies.

Don't be afraid to show what you have done, it shows dedication and enthusiasm towards your goal. Some employers might be interested in someone to do the job, in which case experience and certificates are all that matters, and other places is looking for a team member, where personal outlook and willingness plays a greater roll (but the before mentioned is still important here!)

 

[Sp1dr]

@Kevin Spacebee @dxvapor Thank you both for your replies. Holy shet guys, I kid you not as I was typing a reply to dxvapor, I get a call from one of the companies I sent my cv to. So they want me to start tomorrow basically in more of a BA position to oversee the development of their app and make sure it hits certain goals the company has set. So weirdly my strange set of skills and experience on my CV played into my favor. From the sounds of it they might be starting me at double what I was earning pending a 3 month probationary period obviously.

So I am kind of shocked, not sure what to expect for tomorrow.

 

[dxvapor]

Great news man! Best of luck! let us know how it turns out to be

 

[Sp1dr]

Great news man! Best of luck! let us know how it turns out to be

Thanks man! I will post back, I'm nervous but excited at the same time!

 

[WEST]

@Kevin Spacebee @dxvapor Thank you both for your replies. Holy shet guys, I kid you not as I was typing a reply to dxvapor, I get a call from one of the companies I sent my cv to. So they want me to start tomorrow basically in more of a BA position to oversee the development of their app and make sure it hits certain goals the company has set. So weirdly my strange set of skills and experience on my CV played into my favor. From the sounds of it they might be starting me at double what I was earning pending a 3 month probationary period obviously.

So I am kind of shocked, not sure what to expect for tomorrow.

Wow dude that's bloody awesome

 

[dalion619]

Congrats bud.
I’d advise you still sign up and complete the OfferZen profile, those guys really care about helping you craft a profile highlighting your skills.

 

[thePridge]

@Kevin Spacebee @dxvapor Thank you both for your replies. Holy shet guys, I kid you not as I was typing a reply to dxvapor, I get a call from one of the companies I sent my cv to. So they want me to start tomorrow basically in more of a BA position to oversee the development of their app and make sure it hits certain goals the company has set. So weirdly my strange set of skills and experience on my CV played into my favor. From the sounds of it they might be starting me at double what I was earning pending a 3 month probationary period obviously.

So I am kind of shocked, not sure what to expect for tomorrow.

Congrats! Keep us posted!

 

[CRE4MPIE]

Hey guys, so this year I got retrenched (long story but I think it's for the best).

Now thankfully I have insurance and combined with UIF I will be earning more than I used to for the next 12 months, and i received a small retrenchment package from the company.

I would like to turn this downer into an upper, I have read so many success stories where people transition into development careers from completely unrelated fields that I feel like I just have to give it and follow my dream.

Where I was: Thermal energy modelling, SANS 10400XA compliance reports. (Govt. is changing laws making the industry kind of redundant)
Where I want to be: Programmer/Developer (and finish my BSc CS, and onward)

What I have done: CS50 on edX, Java Masterclass on Udemy, HTML/CSS/JavaScript on Codecademy, HTML/CSS/JavaScript on FreeCodeCamp, I enrolled in University Of the People BSc CS distance learning and completed half of the computer science/math courses so far before running out of money.

Now figuring the above and realizing that I don't have the cash on hand to finish my degree, I decided to go the certification route and continue studies at a later stage. With that I am in the final stages of prep for the Oracle Java SE 8 programmer 1 certification.

I have sent my CV out to a few local companies here in Durban, but nothing really came of that. I guess because I don't yet have a solid industry recognized certification/qualification, hence why I am going the Oracle route.

What demotivates me is seeing job postings for Junior developers, but they require a CS degree and 3 years experience on the job etc. But where can someone like me start? I am willing to work extremely hard but I just need a foot in the door. Any advice welcome, I am holding off on sending my CV out for the moment at least until I get the Oracle Certification, I feel like that will give more weight to everything else I have done.

Organizations here in NL hire candidates that perform well from here all the time ...

Full-Stack Javascript & Python Academy - Techmongers Course

Looking to launch a career in tech? Our intensive coding bootcamp provides an accessible pathway for anyone looking to become a Software Developer. With financing options available, we're committed to empowering learners from all backgrounds to pursue their goals. Join our 9-week full-time...

codaisseur.com

Not sure how relevant that would be for you though, but the concept works well.

 

[dxvapor]

Organizations here in NL hire candidates that perform well from here all the time ...

Full-Stack Javascript & Python Academy - Techmongers Course

Looking to launch a career in tech? Our intensive coding bootcamp provides an accessible pathway for anyone looking to become a Software Developer. With financing options available, we're committed to empowering learners from all backgrounds to pursue their goals. Join our 9-week full-time...

codaisseur.com

Not sure how relevant that would be for you though, but the concept works well.

Prove it. get me a job!

 

[johnny_h]

In terms of getting a job, I'm not sure about how much the certification helps as well.

But as somebody looking to move abroad, certifications like a BSc helps alot. If you have the money and time to do it, rather get it done now than need it in the future and not have it

 

[Ron McDon]

@Kevin Spacebee @dxvapor Thank you both for your replies. Holy shet guys, I kid you not as I was typing a reply to dxvapor, I get a call from one of the companies I sent my cv to. So they want me to start tomorrow basically in more of a BA position to oversee the development of their app and make sure it hits certain goals the company has set. So weirdly my strange set of skills and experience on my CV played into my favor. From the sounds of it they might be starting me at double what I was earning pending a 3 month probationary period obviously.

So I am kind of shocked, not sure what to expect for tomorrow.

Wow looks like all it takes is a Carb thread talking about it

Hope it works out well for you man

 

[Sp1dr]

Hey guys, thanks for all the messages, I have to be honest I went through quite a rough patch the last month, nothing humbles you more than standing in a queue at the Dept. of Labour trying to sort your life out etc, so this all came as a really fantastic surprise to me and my wife. We have a one year old daughter and two bonds, so you can imagine how I was stressing.

So a quick update, I spent about 7hours last night doing some intense research, reading news articles, facebook posts, LinkedIn stalking etc, trying to get a feel for the company and the people that work there. I learnt a lot. I then proceeded to dismantle their app and peak through some of the decompiled classes, I found nothing of interest except what frameworks they had used. Then I spent some time reading up on those, watched a few tutorials etc just to get a general feel and to hopefully not be caught by surprise. I finished my evening brushing up on Agile and Scrum, because I had a sense that is the approach they had to managing their workflow.

Come today, I woke up early, polished my fancy shoes - but ended up wearing sneakers per my wife's best judgement. THAT was a good decision. One of the directors was wearing mickey mouse shoes. Like, proper Disney shoes, I was like wtf. Anyway, everything went smoothly. The team members were very friendly, they are into hugs, so I got random hugs from some of the team. Never been in an environment like this, but everyone was very positive and motivated, a great place to be.

I silently attended the morning scrum, and took as many mental notes as possible, their product is relatively complex with multiple API's and backends to meet the needs of different 3rd parties who have their own integration requirements etc. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest.

Following the scrum I headed off to the boardroom to have the actual interview with two of the execs (I'm not really sure what their titles are, they aren't into titles, but they are the decision makers.) This was the weird part, they were excited to see me, and impressed by my cv, and I was quietly wondering if they had the right person, it was all very surreal. They just asked me about myself, nothing about my education. They did have some interesting questions, like, "Are you a tinkerer, or a programmer." I realized this was a question about curiosity, and not really about my programming skills so I answered leaning towards tinkerer and gave some examples of things I have worked on in my spare time. The other questions were a bit more philosophical, like trying to get at what I want out of life (job vs impact), and this I was perfectly primed to answer, after working a dead end job for 5 years only to be retrenched with a small severance. I just hope I didn't come across as being cheesy but it came from my heart.

And then. Out of the blue, they are both quiet, look at each other, then look at me, and begin to discuss figures. This came out of nowhere and i visibly stumbled over my words not quite sure why, I had a figure in mind but it took me three tries to get it out. And then they were like okay, can you start today?

(After discussion, we decided it best I start tomorrow, they gave me a stack of API documentation to read in the meantime.)

 

[thePridge]

Hey guys, thanks for all the messages, I have to be honest I went through quite a rough patch the last month, nothing humbles you more than standing in a queue at the Dept. of Labour trying to sort your life out etc, so this all came as a really fantastic surprise to me and my wife. We have a one year old daughter and two bonds, so you can imagine how I was stressing.

So a quick update, I spent about 7hours last night doing some intense research, reading news articles, facebook posts, LinkedIn stalking etc, trying to get a feel for the company and the people that work there. I learnt a lot. I then proceeded to dismantle their app and peak through some of the decompiled classes, I found nothing of interest except what frameworks they had used. Then I spent some time reading up on those, watched a few tutorials etc just to get a general feel and to hopefully not be caught by surprise. I finished my evening brushing up on Agile and Scrum, because I had a sense that is the approach they had to managing their workflow.

Come today, I woke up early, polished my fancy shoes - but ended up wearing sneakers per my wife's best judgement. THAT was a good decision. One of the directors was wearing mickey mouse shoes. Like, proper Disney shoes, I was like wtf. Anyway, everything went smoothly. The team members were very friendly, they are into hugs, so I got random hugs from some of the team. Never been in an environment like this, but everyone was very positive and motivated, a great place to be.

I silently attended the morning scrum, and took as many mental notes as possible, their product is relatively complex with multiple API's and backends to meet the needs of different 3rd parties who have their own integration requirements etc. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest.

Following the scrum I headed off to the boardroom to have the actual interview with two of the execs (I'm not really sure what their titles are, they aren't into titles, but they are the decision makers.) This was the weird part, they were excited to see me, and impressed by my cv, and I was quietly wondering if they had the right person, it was all very surreal. They just asked me about myself, nothing about my education. They did have some interesting questions, like, "Are you a tinkerer, or a programmer." I realized this was a question about curiosity, and not really about my programming skills so I answered leaning towards tinkerer and gave some examples of things I have worked on in my spare time. The other questions were a bit more philosophical, like trying to get at what I want out of life (job vs impact), and this I was perfectly primed to answer, after working a dead end job for 5 years only to be retrenched with a small severance. I just hope I didn't come across as being cheesy but it came from my heart.

And then. Out of the blue, they are both quiet, look at each other, then look at me, and begin to discuss figures. This came out of nowhere and i visibly stumbled over my words not quite sure why, I had a figure in mind but it took me three tries to get it out. And then they were like okay, can you start today?

(After discussion, we decided it best I start tomorrow, they gave me a stack of API documentation to read in the meantime.)

That sounds epic... and something along the lines of the company I am trying to build. The big corporates... meh... too much of the politicking and fronting.