[swatcoder]

To rip the bandage off: you got really unlucky and you're going to have a very hard time finding a worthwhile job in the industry any time soon.

Between layoffs and the economic contraction that garnered them, plus prevailing interest in exploring AI for junior-level tasks (regardless of its wisdom), there's just not going to be demand for inexperienced software engineers for a while. If you do manage to find opportunities, they're most likely going to be the marginal cast offs that were left to rely on you as a last resort for some reason, not the enriching or exciting experiences you want to have.

Only you know what your alternatives are, but you should probably just assume that good work won't be coming and focus your job hunt elsewhere. If you're really passionate about the industry, you can think of the next few years as a kind of self-administered graduate program where you keep your skills fresh and develop new ones while you attend to some other day job.

While you do so, you'll want to think about building a tangible and compelling portfolio the way any other early-career artist might, so that you can show it off when the market turns again (which it will). You might also casually monitor and apply for jobs/gigs just to test the waters here and there, but you're only wasting your own time and your own emotional reserves in trying to hold out for one.

Sorry I couldn't be more encouraging. You just got stuck with bad entry timing into an industry long beset by boom/bust cycles. We're in the bust now. You have to wait.

[musicale]

> there's just not going to be demand for inexperienced software engineers for a while

As I understand it, part of the layoffs is downsizing in anticipation of replacing paid staff with AI, but another part is payroll reduction by eliminating many higher-paying positions while opening up some lower-paying positions.

So I'd agree with keeping your day job while you continue to develop your skills and portfolio, and also recommend that you keep looking and applying for positions when they open up. Since you have a paying job already, you can treat it as a learning and exploration opportunity.

[aireo]

Thanks a ton for taking the time to chime in. As you and the original responder suggested, I'll continue to build things and expand my skills.

I think you made a really important point about re-framing this as a "learning and exploration opportunity".

Thanks again for taking the time to share some feedback.

[aireo]

Thank you for taking the time to provide honest feedback. What you say makes sense; it's what I suspected but haven't fully accepted.

I do enjoy programming, so I'll continue that regardless, and in the meantime keep a casual eye out for opportunities. Thanks again -- this is valuable input.