The job market is humbling right now

I've gone back and forth on whether I should make this post because asking for help has never really been my thing.

Like a lot of people in tech right now, I've found myself in a job market that's a lot tougher than I expected. I've put out a ton of applications, made it to several final rounds, and I'm still looking.

The good news is I have interviews lined up next week with Bumble, Apple, and a startup founded by one of Uber's co-founders, so I'm staying optimistic. I've been fortunate enough to spend my career at both startups and Google, and I know I can bring value in either environment.

I'm not looking for a handout. I'm just hoping this reaches someone who knows someone.

If you know of a remote role or something here in the Austin area where you think I'd be a good fit, I'd really appreciate an introduction.

My experience spans software engineering, technical program management, and agile leadership. I'd also welcome the opportunity to transition into product management because I've always been fascinated by the product side of building great software, and I think my technical background gives me a strong foundation for that path. That said, engineering is where I've spent most of my career, and I'm just as excited to contribute there if that's where I can create the most value.

I'm also open to contract work if you just need someone to help get a project across the finish line or fill a gap while you look for a permanent hire.

One thing this experience has taught me is that this market can humble just about anyone. If you're in tech, keep your network warm, keep learning, and don't wait until you need a job to reconnect with people. There are a lot of incredibly talented people looking for work right now. I honestly never expected I'd be one of them.

If nothing comes of this, that's okay. But if this reaches someone who can make an introduction, then it was worth putting it out there.

Thanks for reading.

Edit: If you have an app idea and wanted to talk to a professional who has shipped software at various scales, I would also be willing to have a conversation for a feasibility study. I can tell you about any competitors I know of, some technical hurdles you would have to face for implementation and any kind of regulatory/compliance issues you MIGHT face. I can do that for a negotiable fee just to try and get some income utilizing the skills I've cultivated. Some areas of expertise are in Nuclear Engineering, Defense, Semiconductors, Renewables, AI/ML/Autonomous Robotics, Trading, Payments and Digital Identity.