[issamehh]

I think it's more hostile than you imagine. I'm quite young and can't even breaj into the industry with a job. I also am not bad. I do well in my interviews (I can feel it and they tell me too), I work on a variety of things and have side projects, I've done well at an internship, etc. It's a mess right now. I'm far from the only one my age struggling this way.

Had I not tried the self employment route I'd probably have starved to death or had to work at a gas station and then starved. I wasn't really ready for it either but that was the option. I live and breath programming and absolutely love it. I have since I was in my early teens. At this point though it's looking more and more like I'll have to do something else to get by. I actually always did want to be able to work on my own projects, but if I have to work in other fields then that will likely be the end of it. I won't be able to make enough to do anything but work.

I think it's just a hostile field in general at this point.

[ChrisMarshallNY]

Man, I really feel for you. I am at the other end of the meat grinder, and am fortunate enough to have choices.

The industry is crazy competitive, right now. This is because of all the money to be made.

This has been both a blessing, and a curse.

One of the big reasons that I am not in a hurry to shack up with some company, is that it can easily make a joy into a horror show.

I would suggest that you learn discipline and structure, just on principle (since the industry doesn’t seem to value it). At least, you will be happy with the work you do, and that is worth more than you can imagine.