[fbrncci]

Python by itself isn't really that useful for entry level positions, unless you also work with some other tools and/or frameworks. I have known Python for 5 years, that didn't land me a job, then learned Django over the part of a summer, blogged about a single project, and within 2 months I had an entry job position.

[_vpbe]

I’ve made tons of things in Django. My first experience w Python was making something in django (for actual users). I don’t feel like clogging up the internet w some post about how I made something in django, but if that’s what it takes then maybe? It just seems as much like garbage-self promotion as posting a pic on Instagram or something. Anyway, with me I don’t think experience is the problem. As silly as it seems, I think I just come off as dumb due to my voice, face, etc.

[JackMorgan]

I used to feel like "playing the game" or "playing politics" was for poor performers to cover up their weaknesses. Thankfully over time I swallowed my pride and decided if I was going to play, I was going to play to win at any cost. Check out the free book Playing to Win by David Sirlin [1].

Once I adopted this mindset, it was easier to do the "lame" things that were clearly just signalling mechanisms. Better clothes and grooming, a public blog, writing books, leadership in meetups, lots of open source work, conference speaking, reading all the right books, saying the right things, etc. Over time, instead of just doing these for "winning" I grew into someone an order of magnitude better than before I started. Sort of a catch 22.

At some point it's not just signalling anymore. I'm extremely glad I swallowed my pride when I did, and really wish I'd done it sooner.

[1] https://www.sirlin.net/ptw

[d9000]

Interesting book. Any other books do you recommend?

[JackMorgan]

For tech career stuff, here's my suggestions both for books I liked and how to pick your own books

http://deliberate-software.com/page/books/ http://deliberate-software.com/next-book/

[Lapsa]

you sound like someone I wouldn't want around :)

[fbrncci]

I self promote with content only. I guess my face is on LinkedIn and my personal blog but it don't do videos or talks. In the weekend I just pick a topic in terms of software to blog about. Spend a few hours on that and then pay someone on fiverr to promote it. It an easy way to ensure companies and clients keep finding me on Google. It also always gives me an edge on the job market. Try it, what's there to lose?

[imron]

> I think I just come off as dumb due to my voice, face, etc.

What do you perceive to be the problem with your voice and face?

[_vpbe]

Since I’ve already doxxed myself I’ll just leave it vague

[dennis_jeeves1]

I don't know you personally so I cannot pass a judgement, but my observation is that often the less smart people will interpret smarter people's ignorance and humility as stupidity. A _lot_ of interviewers (anybody actually) are like this.

Quote: The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. – Bertrand Russell