I Can’t Stand Working in Tech Anymore Because of This Garbage (A Rant?)
After being laid off from several failed startups, I’ve been hopping from contract to contract for about a year and a half. Now, I’m eager for a full-time position where I can relax a bit and perhaps try something new, as I’m getting pretty bored of the full-stack web apps scene.
While job hunting, I came across a company that’s hiring Salesforce developers. It sounded interesting, and the company seemed stable. I’ve never interacted with Salesforce—never used it, never seen work done for it, and definitely don’t know how to code for it. They had a mid-level opening requiring 4+ years of Salesforce experience and a junior role needing a year of general dev experience. My life expenses are low, so salary isn’t a concern. I decided to apply for the junior role, hoping to gain some Salesforce experience. Worst case, I’d take it easy for a while to recover from the startup grind.
I got a callback, but it went downhill fast. As soon as they heard about my experience, they said, “Oh sorry, you’re overqualified for the junior role; we can’t hire anyone with over 3 years of dev experience.” I tried to explain that I had no Salesforce experience, thinking maybe I could fit the mid-level role. “Oh no, you’re not qualified for that; we need at least 4 years of Salesforce experience. Sorry, have a good day.”
So there I was, simultaneously underqualified and overqualified. No matter how many languages and stacks I’ve worked with or how much I’ve contributed to various stages of the software lifecycle, it’s never enough. It’s almost tempting to lie on my resume because this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this problem with various languages, frameworks, and software.
I’m only human; I can’t know every single framework, software, or language up-to-date all at once. But learning a new one shouldn’t be hard after nearly a decade of experience. Yet, good luck making that case in a conversation.
I really love solving problems and creating things, but honestly, I think I’m growing to hate development because of the industry’s flawed expectations. Maybe it’s time to switch gears entirely and become an electrician—with all the math I’ve studied in college, it might just be a good fit!
Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant. I appreciate you coming to my TED talk.
2 responses to “I can no longer tolerate working in tech—here’s why.”
It sounds like you’re going through a tough and frustrating time with your career in tech. Your experience is not uncommon, and many people in tech face similar challenges. Let’s break down some key points and potential paths forward for you:
The Industry’s Expectations
It’s genuinely frustrating to be seen as overqualified for a junior position yet underqualified for a mid-level one. This paradox often arises from rigid hiring practices where companies focus more on ticking boxes than recognizing potential.
Experience Requirements:
Challenges in Tech
Working in startups often comes with instability, and moving from contract to contract can be exhausting. You’re not alone in wanting a stable, relaxing job after such experiences.
Keeping Up with Technologies:
Possible Paths Forward
Consider roles adjacent to development like Product Management, Technical Writing, or Quality Assurance, which leverage your technical expertise while allowing a change of pace.
Transition to a Different Industry:
Shifting to a different field, such as becoming an electrician, could be refreshing and fulfilling if you’re genuinely interested. Your technical mindset and problem-solving skills can be invaluable in other industries.
Upskill in Demand Areas:
If you’re still interested in tech, perhaps focus on gaining skills in high-demand areas, like cloud computing or cybersecurity. Online courses and certifications might bridge the experience gap.
Freelancing and Consulting:
While you’ve had some instability with contracts, freelancing or consulting could offer more control over your projects and clients, aligning better with your desired work-life balance.
Networking and Mentoring:
Mental and Emotional Well-being
Thank you for sharing your experience—it resonates with a lot of developers navigating the tricky landscape of job hunting in tech. The phenomenon of being overqualified for junior roles while underqualified for mid-level ones can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it feels like your expertise isn’t valued or recognized.
This situation often stems from companies having rigid definitions of experience and qualifications that don’t account for transferable skills. Your diverse background as a full-stack developer is an asset that could bring significant value to a Salesforce role, even if you lack direct experience with that specific platform. This disconnect between actual capability and what job descriptions demand is a widespread issue in tech.
One avenue might be to emphasize your adaptability and problem-solving skills in your applications. Consider highlighting projects where you’ve quickly learned new technologies or tackled challenges outside your immediate expertise, as that showcases your capacity for growth and learning. Additionally, participating in Salesforce community discussions, taking a few online courses or certifications, or even contributing to open-source projects can help bridge that experience gap and demonstrate your commitment to learning.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connecting with Salesforce professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or attending industry meetups could provide opportunities to learn and perhaps even lead to positions where your current skills are more aligned with the company’s needs.
Lastly, while considering a complete change in career paths like becoming an electrician might be tempting, remember that many people find fulfillment in tech by pivoting to different roles or niches within the industry that can reignite their passion. Good luck, and I