Ask HN: Went Back to School – Financing Fell Through

[MouseInTheHouse]

I was a Senior Software Engineer (iOS) at a Silicon Valley startup and returned to school to finish my bachelor's degree at an Ivy League school. I wasn't forced, and I gave my previous employer a year's notice that I was leaving for school. So right now, I'm having trouble getting approved for a student loan. I need to work, but I am having issues gaining traction in the job market. Any suggestions? I did freelance work while in school, so I have kept my skills up. I have seven years of experience with iOS, but that doesn't seem to be enough in the current climate. I missed out on the crazy salary inflation of 2021, so I'm not expecting more than I was earning. How do I put this across to hiring manager without seeming desperate to the point where I hurt my chances?

[Mizoguchi]

Consider perhaps switching stack to something more in demand today, for example backend development in Python or C++ (just to name something). All the other skills (software design, time management, troubleshooting, etc) you have them so you are not starting from zero, but you may need to adjust your expectations about salary because you'll need to learn a new platform and possibly a new process or business domain. But you will move quickly up the ranks because you have the experience. I have done this in the past and was able to renegotiate my salary six months into the new position once I figured out their stack. I think your story is typical of the current situation and will resonate with a good hiring manager. If they have the opportunity open and you look like you can solve problems, then I believe knowing iOS but not Java doesn't matter much, learning a new stack/business domain isn't too difficult.

[schwartzworld]

Not a work suggestion, but you can usually save money on classes a couple of ways.

If any of your remaining courses have a CLEP tests associated with them, that's the first thing to do. You can cross courses off your list in an afternoon.

Additionally, most colleges accept transfer credits, so you may be able to take courses locally at community college and then transfer them back to your ivy league.

[MouseInTheHouse → schwartzworld]

I'm gonna try to see if I can take the courses at a cheaper a community college although they try really hard to prevent it. I might even transfer to a state school. I'm at the sunk costs part of the sunk costs fallacy.

[schwartzworld → MouseInTheHouse]

Look into clep tests. They are the best kept secret.

[roflyear]

Have you reached out to your previous employer? Maybe they have opportunities for some small amount of work for you to get you on your feet.

Seven years of experience is enough, but I am not familiar with mobile development.

What are you trying to explain to the hiring manager? That you want to go to school while working?

[MouseInTheHouse → roflyear]

I want to explain that I'm willing to work at their price and that I'm not a new grad.

[999900000999]

In this economy you have to take what you can get, I'm essentially making what I made about 4 years ago.

The big difference is this is a fully remote job, and I'm very grateful for it. 2022 was the last year of crazy tech salaries, at least for a while anyway.

[MouseInTheHouse → 999900000999]

Yeah, I'd take a 50k pay cut if needed, even more. As long as I could pay rent and pay interest on student loans and food.

[anoy8888]

7 years being ios developer should have easily leave you with 500k to a coupe of millions already ?

[quickthrower2 → anoy8888]

In my country yes, if you forage for food, live in a tent, and pay no tax.