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Ask HN: How are you finding work/gigs as a SWE?

Hacker News users discuss strategies for finding software engineering work in a tight job market, sharing tips on networking, applying to smaller companies, building side projects, and leveraging freelance platforms after struggling for up to two years.

Background

The user is asking a question on Hacker News (HN), a forum popular with tech professionals, especially software engineers (SWEs). The post reflects a widely discussed reality: the tech job market, which boomed during the pandemic (2020–2022), has contracted sharply since 2023. Mass layoffs at major companies (Meta, Google, Amazon, startups) combined with rising interest rates and AI-driven efficiency fears have created an unusually competitive environment for mid-to-senior roles. "2 years struggling" is a common sentiment — many engineers who were laid off or graduated into this market have had difficulty securing a comparable role, even with strong credentials. The thread likely contains advice on alternatives: contracting/consulting, open-source work, starting a service business, or pivoting to less saturated niches.

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