[CoachBrian]

Step 1. Reach out to prior bosses that valued you. One email can lead to a win-win situation (huge de-risking for a company with a known quantity, and you would know your boss as well). Ask them to submit a recommendation on LinkedIn.

Step 2. Network like crazy with prior colleagues, simple coffee chats is fine (virtual is fine); anyone who can vouch for your work. Ask them to submit a recommendation on LinkedIn. If you see a job opening at their company, ask them directly for a referral.

Step 3. In parallel, get your Full Stack Eng experience sharp again (so that when a colleague opportunity does pan out, you feel closer to ready for interviews). Be sure to include AI tooling in this, you want to demonstrate proficiency there (expected these days).

Step 4. If you want deeper 1:1 guidance feel free to DM. I can spare a few minutes.

[jacAtSea]

Thank you for the steps

I am a super social anxious so the first 2 steps felt a bit daunting. I moved (family reason - caregiving) so my 'best work buddies' are in another city/country. I did reach out to 2 or 3 but no leads there. I am from a company that people 'used' to stay there a very long time.

I joined a local mentoring group in STEAM and expanding my network.

For step 3, I put in

Side Project: Python Coding Agent AWS cloud platform

Practice Interview: LeetCode SD BQ Story writing

I am still looking for a side project