Hacker News Reader

Comment by mgkimsal | Hacker News Reader

> my theory is to try to get yourself a job at a stabler tech company with proven profitability

How about just a stable company, then make yourself valuable there? Sure if you like tech, you can try for google, but there's so many companies which are dying for competent IT folks (even if their hiring practices seem to fight it) that you can provide a load of value to people in almost any situation. The question then comes up about are they positioned to pay you for that value - is it valuable enough to them? Gotta spend a bit more time finding those, but... they're definitely out there.

Basic advice - have a lot of savings, and if your main income stops, be extra frugal (and... hey, even be frugal now if you can). "Cash is king", and having buffer of months or years in the bank can give you time to be more selective and avoid making panic-decisions (which generally aren't when you're in the best frame of mind to make decisions).

View on HN

My argument against other large companies is:

1. They seem much more likely to undergo major layoffs than Google et al.. If you're not growing, layoffs seem to be a constant.

2. During layoffs, the first people to go are cost centers. IT is a cost center unless your industry is technology.

3. The difference in pay is astronomical. Like, easily 2-3x from the times I've tried interviewing. Even small startups pay developers better (in cash) than most non-tech companies seem to.

I'm not too worried about the savings thing. I think I'm covered for a decade if necessary.

> I think I'm covered for a decade if necessary.

Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already.

I didn't say 'large' companies at all, did I? It's a balance finding smaller/medium companies, but there's definitely loads where you can make an impact and negotiate to be rewarded appropriately.

If you have 10 years of savings, why are you worried about layoffs?

> Really? Not doubting you, but that would mean a whole fairly big pile of money already.

It would entail moving to a lower cost locale (ie. not SF/NYC), but certainly doable. It would also mean tapping everything besides my IRA.

I'm not really worried about layoffs. It's more that I would like to be prepared. Also, even if I can survive financially, I'd rather avoid going without an income for any extended period.

In terms of small/medium companies, it really seems like most of them outside tech don't value IT at all. If they even have developers, they seem to underpay them.

This might just be my bias though. I appreciate the advice and will be sure to include a few smaller non-tech companies in my next job search.

if you're already in an area where those are viable options (goog, fb, etc), then by all means. I made an assumption you'd prefer to move out there to chase a job there.

good luck to you whatever happens!

> having buffer of months or years in the bank can give you time to be more selective and avoid making panic-decisions

Absolutely agree!

Agree financially/logically, but people are emotional too and can be anxious about not working and worry about not finding another job ever, especially after being laid off and turned down for other jobs.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com