[SeoxyS]

Have you considered a drastic move to SF, NYC, Boston, or another startup hotspot? Having no money in Michigan is no better than having no money in a more expensive city, so cost of living shouldn't even be a factor here.

Also, don't limit yourself to Python / C. Stress that you're able and willing to learn any programming language and solve any challenge that comes your way. I know there isn't a single unemployed Ruby developer in chicago, thanks to Groupon.

Finding a job as a developer is actually not that hard, in this economy. Be thankful you're in this industry and not, say, the automotive industry.

[barnaby]

Moving to SF/NYC/Boston is really good advice. I moved to San Francisco from Rochester NY after running my own company there for a while. I had NO MONEY left, in fact I was way deep in debt. Surely people thought I was crazy but you know what, I wish I had moved sooner. I waited a year to move out here and I will never get that year of life back. Now, after being here 2 years I've paid off all my debts and have saved up a bit of money!

Don't delay, we have more job openings in the valley than we can find qualified programmers to fill. A full on workers shortage! Don't delay, move out here already, get a job, and be happy!

[canadiancreed]

I'd echo what SeoxyS has to say, in that companies want you in their doors, and that means heading to where they are. The market for remote workers is think to say the least, especially for folks that are not close to company headquarters (speaking from over seven months and counting of looking for exactly that).

However I'd be pessimistic about marketing your skills to shops that dont' use the tech that you have experience in. I've found with my own quest that employers are for the most part, not convinced that it's the programming knowledge, not the syntax that matters. This may be less of an issue in the hotspots though.

And yes anything manufacturing....well it's the 1930's all over again.

[city41]

I'd also add that Boulder, CO's demand for developers is insatiable. Plenty of startups (and more established) tech companies here that are dying for more help.

[mtogo]

Have you considered a drastic move to SF, NYC, Boston, or another startup hotspot?

Ah yes, it's so easy to move when you can't even afford $100 to start a company. Great advice.

Finding a job as a developer is actually not that hard, in this economy.

Looks like you're wrong, in this instance at least.

[pavel_lishin]

> Ah yes, it's so easy to move when you can't afford $100 to start a company. Great advice.

My biggest pet peeve about HN? The automatic assumption that if you're not looking to start your own company, you're a worthless idiot.

As bretthoerner pointed out, many companies will pay for you to move. And even if they don't, putting $5k on a credit card to move to someplace where you would actually be employed is still a better plan than starving to death next to your bed.

[mtogo]

My biggest pet peeve about HN? The automatic assumption that if you're not looking to start your own company, you're a worthless idiot.

Woah, didn't mean to imply that at all. I just used the "to start a company" bit because he had said that in his post. I notice that attitude around HN and i hate it too.

As bretthoerner pointed out, many companies will pay for you to move. And even if they don't, putting $5k on a credit card to move to someplace where you would actually be employed is still a better plan than starving to death next to your bed.

You are probably absolutely right. I felt that if he can't put $100 on a credit card for some reason he probably can't put $5k on one, but i don't know what kind of relocation assistance companies provide nowadays.

[rdl]

Even if a company doesn't have a formal relocation program (it's unlikely a startup would), the founder/hiring manager saying "here's my personal credit card; put all the charges related to your move on it, and I'll expense it for you" relocation plan is probably quite common at a startup; the only provision would be that you have to repay it in a timely fashion if you switch to another job within a year or so. (IMO, if someone gets fired or just doesn't work out, it's pretty pointless to try to collect relocation/education expenses, since he's possibly broke; the case to worry about is relo for job A and then switch to job B at a competitor once you're already here).

[pavel_lishin]

I'm sorry, I didn't meant to snap at you.

And I imagine that putting $100 towards a startup and $5k towards a move to a guaranteed job are vastly different - startups can, and often do, fail. A job offer is much more steady - and if he has a family, stability is important.

[pyre]

  > My biggest pet peeve about HN? The automatic assumption
  > that if you're not looking to start your own company,
  > you're a worthless idiot.

I think that this attitude defies logic. Where do the employees come from if everyone is their own boss? Does this mean that when you hire employees you automatically assume that, "well they must not be looking to start their own business," and therefore think the worst of them?

[bretthoerner]

Wow. Nice tone, man.

> Ah yes, it's so easy to move when you can't afford $100 to start a company. Great advice.

Many, many companies would gladly pay to relocate a good developer right now.

> Looks like you're wrong, in this instance at least.

He's talking about places that aren't in BFE, and he's right.

[sgrove]

Definitely, relocation costs vs recruiter fees? Easy, easy choice for a good hacker.

[csomar]

> Ah yes, it's so easy to move when you can't even afford $100 to start a company. Great advice.

I don't think he means he has no money (completely broke). I think he means he is about... So I hope he has a plane ticket.

[bubblewatcher]

I find it interesting that your hostility came through so easily and without consideration for how your words could effect someone seeking to employ you. (which is the actual reason I had read this post)

You seem to focus all of your attention on what "skills" you have without regard for the personality traits that make a desirable team member. I can guarantee you that you will meet many developers with greater skill than you poses.

When I look to hire a developer or if I were to be considering you as a co-founder I would first judge your ability to be an asset to the team.

I'd be curious to learn why you were let go from your previous job, but It is certainly a combination of your personality flaws, lack of relevant skills, and inability to adapt.

While the advice of moving to a new city may not seem plausible to you, your reaction to the question is quite telling. 1) You are condescending and inaccurately view "reality" 2) You are a linear thinker (consider becoming more lateral)

I'd wager that the reason you are unable to find a job is because of these 2 character traits...

I'd start with those

[jessedhillon]

mtogo is a random commenter, not the same person who is looking for help in Michigan. I'd love to know what company you work for, though, so I can stay far away.

[danilocampos]

You write as though you're responding to OP, but this was someone else's remark. Wasn't it?