[sealord]

I can't really say I know exactly how you feel, but I can safely say I've been in a slightly similar position before. And honestly, every time I look at frameworks like Angular or React, I feel like throwing in the towel right then!

I think it's a good idea to choose a niche, and stick to it. Full-stack devs are awesome, but there's nothing wrong in sticking to a particular competency. Looking at your profile, it seems you're pretty good at writing Swift/Obj-C apps. If that really interests you, why not stick to mobile as a domain? I feel it's easier to keep track of how the ecosystem changes, in one field.

As for jobs. I'm not entirely sure what the problem here is, but I know what it's like to not have the right qualifications. I studied engineering for two years, dropped out because the coursework had zero coding, studied Russian for 6 months and then dropped out again due to campus politics. But I've managed to hold jobs with IBM, Cvent and some media houses simply because I could convince the overlords that the lack of a professional degree didn't stop me from executing what was expected. But it was hard. Have you tried checking out spaces/events where startups converge, and probably pitch your skills to them? A good place to start would be coworking spaces. Establish a relationship with the space's owners/managers, and they'll happily introduce you to teams who need your expertise. Many startups don't care what certificates you've got, so long as you add value. And if there's a startup that does look for a degree - well, you probably don't want to join them anyway.

I hope this helps. Please don't give up - obviously you love writing code, and there's no reason why circumstances should make you give up doing something you love. :)

[frostbytes]

Thank you Sealord, You post means alot,

I would love to stick to mobile apps but majority of companies are looking for "Senior iOS developer" and the funny thing is they list frameworks that literally just surfaced in the tech community, yet these HR reps are asking for seniority and expert levels, on top of that you have things like Superiority in problem solving, x amount of years in agile dev/dev ops principles..etc

This is the overwhelming area, even if I want to do mobile development they ask for things that are senior level!

Your suggestion about establishing a relationship with space owners, and approaching startups is a good idea, I haven't thought about that to be honest.

[sealord]

I've got friends who're HR professionals, and I'll say it anyway - they're idiots. I'm yet to see an HR person who genuinely understands how dev ecosystems change, and what they should really look out for as opposed to what their books in business school said.

On an ideal note, try not to go for companies that have HR doing recruitments. It's bound not to work in your favor. Your best bet is to interact directly with product owners because they know what they're looking for, and it's easier to have a direct conversation with them about the best tool/framework for the job. And a lot of startups are liberal - they have "preferred" tools/frameworks, but they're happy with someone coming in with a different option.

Please do try checking out coworking spaces. If there's startup events in your area, try them out too. A lot happens when there's a casual chat over a coffee/beer. I should know, I met my cofounders over a joint.

[pbh101]

A couple things I haven't seen mentioned yet but may be useful for you:

- consider web/iOS consulting companies: with a targeted skill set they may be better able to properly assess your skills. Pivotal, Thoughtworks, etc.

- consider 'boring' companies like insurance, banks, GE and similar, or pretty much anywhere that isn't explicitly a software company but does hire software developers. 'Software is eating the world' and everywhere needs developers. It might not be the ideal job, but you will learn a ton about how SW development works in an organization (as opposed to solo) and how that looks on the ground. And you will be in a better position to show that you can do this.

- consider smaller non-startup companies where you would wear many hats and you can grow and show your worth quickly. And they're probably more willing to take a flyer on you because they wouldn't be able to afford paying people for all the hats you'll wear.

- when you do land a job, befriend someone in HR and learn as much as you can about the general hiring process. Interview candidates if you can. Get involved in it to learn what candidates do that works and what doesn't.

[akulbe]

Every "Senior" started out as a "Junior" at some point. Try not to get hung up on this.

I have two pieces of advice for you, as someone who has struggled with these very things:

First, don't compare yourself with someone else. You are only competing with yourself in the end. The person you're comparing yourself to very likely could have the same doubts as you.

Second, just start. Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis, and only think things to death. I'm happy to share my experiences with you. My email is in my profile.