[iLemming]

Daaamn. Whenever I see posts like this - people complaining that they can't get employed and I read the list of their skills, I get hit with anxiety and panic.

If people with good skills can't get a job, what am I suppose to do when I lose mine? I also don't understand how do freelancers stay calm, don't they basically have to be in a job, client-seeking mode all the time?

[confused-c]

iLemming, thanks for responding. Though I'm struggling to keep my head above water, I want to use my next few breaths to encourage you, because I myself have felt that I lacked skills compared to others.

Having looked through your post history, you are a much more advanced Emacs user than I am. My hundred-plus custom functions, arranged in fuzzy utility groups under a master keymap, pale in comparison to your released, GitHubbed, other-people-usable software. Understanding and embracing Emacs requires grit. I hope to reach your level by, perhaps, the end of this year. Please put your shoulders back and hold your head up when you read this -- and when you next hack Emacs.

If you want to talk further, I'm available at [e-mail].

[iLemming]

Well, I learned a couple of things about Emacs. I am known as "M-x Tips" on Twitter¹. But Emacs skills are not "hireable", interviewers rarely (if ever) care about the choice of your favorite IDE.

Sadly, industry's established hiring practices are inadequate - being a skilled interviewee (most of the time) has very little to do with someone's ability to solve real problems on the field.

It's like if you are an outstanding chef, but to get a job you have to be able to perform an elaborate dance. And if you can't dance at all, then even your Michelin stars won't help.

---

¹ Not a shameless plug, since I hope you may see some helpful tips: https://twitter.com/ilemming

[iLemming]

Damn it. Like I knew it would happen. My company laid off a bunch of people today. Including me.

[Strom]

> I also don't understand how do freelancers stay calm, don't they basically have to be in a job, client-seeking mode all the time?

It becomes the new normal so it's no longer anxiety inducing. You also get better at it, like any other thing you repeatedly do. That said, not everyone succeeds, just like every other activity. Ultimately it's just a lifestyle choice.

[arvinsim]

> I also don't understand how do freelancers stay calm, don't they basically have to be in a job, client-seeking mode all the time?

I am pretty sure that most of them are prudent enough to plan for this. Employees might not need to think for these kind of situations but freelancers frequently do.

[xallace]

yes, that is why the majority don't want to do it