I realized that I have a recurring problem in my career as a programmer, which is that I almost always get laid off from my jobs without time to prepare for it. And then I am constantly picking up the pieces in life as I return to job searches and spending my bank account, as I do not have a solid plan B to back myself up.
Since graduating, I've always been going back and forth between working as a contractor for small-ish companies (and also low paying at that) for about a year or two, and applying for jobs for another year or two. And going back to being broke in the process. There's no way for me to manage a stable career or lifestyle like this.
I understand that layoffs happen even in the largest of companies. But I just wish I could stop spinning my wheels for so long.
So how do I get myself out of this vicious cycle? Recruiters aren't working out very well for me, and I do not have friends or colleagues that can refer me to suitable jobs. I don't want to play the long game anymore. Going though 4 job layoffs over the span of about 10 years tends to form this attitude, I guess.
Some more details about me: Chicago resident, mid 30s male, most experience is in web development, from agencies and consulting work to a few early startups. I apply to companies big or small, but incidentally the only offers I get are low-pay contract jobs from small companies.
Since graduating, I've always been going back and forth between working as a contractor for small-ish companies (and also low paying at that) for about a year or two, and applying for jobs for another year or two. And going back to being broke in the process. There's no way for me to manage a stable career or lifestyle like this.
I understand that layoffs happen even in the largest of companies. But I just wish I could stop spinning my wheels for so long.
So how do I get myself out of this vicious cycle? Recruiters aren't working out very well for me, and I do not have friends or colleagues that can refer me to suitable jobs. I don't want to play the long game anymore. Going though 4 job layoffs over the span of about 10 years tends to form this attitude, I guess.
Some more details about me: Chicago resident, mid 30s male, most experience is in web development, from agencies and consulting work to a few early startups. I apply to companies big or small, but incidentally the only offers I get are low-pay contract jobs from small companies.