[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.

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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.