Ask HN: How do you jumpstart your career after stagnating for several years
Hi HN,
I have been working as a software engineer for FAANG for several years. I have not made it to Senior with nearly 10 years of experience in the industry. I work on a "mature" product so I rarely get to make big technical contributions.
My question to you all is this: How does one jump-start their career after a flat trajectory for several years.
2 comments
If you find a magic cure, let me know. I'm stagnating too. I was once told by a former manager that not everyone has the potential to be more than a midlevel developer.
My guess is that comment doesn't apply to you and that you are working in a marketable technology (I'm not) so you could probably switch companies. That will give you a fresh start that could give your career a jump. I would guess that moving from a midlevel FAANG role you could move into a senior role at a non-FAANG company. I'm not sure if that would be consider a positive career move or more a lateral one.
My guess is that comment doesn't apply to you and that you are working in a marketable technology (I'm not) so you could probably switch companies. That will give you a fresh start that could give your career a jump. I would guess that moving from a midlevel FAANG role you could move into a senior role at a non-FAANG company. I'm not sure if that would be consider a positive career move or more a lateral one.
Somewhat obliquely but consider updating your LinkedIn Profile and adding as much in-house and/or online coursework to it. You never know how/when you will be approached. As a professional resume/LIP editor (now pivoting to targeting services to SMBs and startups), I have seen some great connections made for consulting, new ventures, etc.