Ask HN: How do you jumpstart your career after stagnating for several years

4 points·micave··2 comments

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.

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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.

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.

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