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by mtogo 5445 days ago
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.
4 comments
pavel_lishin 5445 days ago
> 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.

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mtogo 5445 days ago
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.

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rdl 5445 days ago
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).
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pavel_lishin 5445 days ago
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.

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pyre 5445 days ago 

  > 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?
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bretthoerner 5445 days ago
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.

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sgrove 5445 days ago
Definitely, relocation costs vs recruiter fees? Easy, easy choice for a good hacker.
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csomar 5445 days ago
> 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.

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bubblewatcher 5445 days ago
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

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jessedhillon 5445 days ago
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.
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danilocampos 5445 days ago
You write as though you're responding to OP, but this was someone else's remark. Wasn't it?
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