Looking for work after traumatic injury | Hacker News Reader

Looking for work after traumatic injury

45 pointswildlogic5 comments

Hey HN,

A few years ago I was impaled in a climbing accident - I fell 20 feet straight onto a 3" PVC pipe (https://publications.americanalpineclub.org/articles/13201216284). I couldn't walk or take care of myself for most of a year, and the recovery was extremely difficult. A fantastic 15+ year systems development career to came to an abrupt halt after my company was acquired while I was on medical leave, and I found myself without work to return to. Shortly after, I separated from my partner of 20 years, giving her and my son our family home and opting to stay for a while alone in a Dodge Ram van. Unfortunately my van was stolen at gunpoint, along with everything I owned, and I have been homeless on the streets of Tacoma, WA for the past 2 years.

I'm mentally and physically ready to get back to work, but it is difficult navigating this challenge without a computer or a roof over my head. I'm an adept hacker, having won a black badge in CTF at Defcon. I specialize in build and release automation, and am comfortable wearing any hat as long as I am writing code.

I'm hoping for advice, help, or maybe even an interview or contract offer from someone in a position to offer me a chance. I'm a tenacious, thoughtful and creative developer that excels at solving intractable problems and quickly resolving critical issues.

I still try to read HN every day, write code, and stay up on the latest and greatest tech. Walking is still a challenge, but the rest of me works just fine. Please let me know if you have any help or advice to offer. Thanks kindly.

Brandon digiphilo@gmail.com

Man, as a fellow climber and dev, I'm really sorry to hear about your accident :( That really sucks. I've jumped onto the pads many times, never expecting there to be a PVC spear waiting to impale me.

The news article made it sound like you were on good terms with the climbing gym and its owner. But it sounds like that accident handicapped and made you destitute. Are you sure there is no legal recourse there, whether against the gym (its insurance, more likely) or least government benefits?

I don't have much money or job connections right now, myself. But would a used Windows laptop help at all? I'd be glad to ship it to you (General Delivery, probably, unless you have a PO box?)

I'm not sure what your resources are - you say you don't have a computer, but you also check HN and write code and stay up on tech. It seems difficult to understand how you are writing code without a computer, and if you can write code, what is stopping you from seeking jobs?

No matter what that answer is, most places I've lived have homeless shelters with programs to help people get going with the resources needed to get interviews and start work. Have you looked into such things?

> you say you don't have a computer, but you also check HN and write code and stay up on tech.

> It seems difficult to understand how you are writing code without a computer

Libraries still exist as far as I'm aware. You can also write code on a number of websites, like replit, codesandbox, codepen, etc.

Move this post to Ask HN: or Hire HN, you will gain more views.

Sorry to hear of your accident. I have done a fair bit of rock climbing and know how quickly things can go bad. Actually I had a bad accident around 20 years ago whitewater kayaking in the US. People we so kind in supporting including my family and friends and I was very lucky to have 6 months paid sick leave from work. With regards next steps, I feel I'm too far away to help, but I'd prioritise getting some kind of accommodation even if it means taking charity and taking any job while you can get yourself on your feet. Hopefully someone a bit closer can reach out with help. Good luck in your journey.

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