Ask HN: Finding a purpose after tech layoffs

8 pointsfud10114d ago8 comments

How are you filling your days? A few months ago I was upskilling and prepping for interviews but i've lost all motivation now. I don't want any of this, AI has poisoned the whole ecosystem for good even if one did get back into the game, it all seems like the good old days are over and they were never that great in the first place. I miss having a paycheck more than anything else, even daily standups which I dreaded gave structure and purpose which I am unable to replace.

8 comments

allinonetools_14d ago

I have seen a few people go through this after layoffs. One thing that helped them was keeping a small daily routine — building something small, learning one thing, or contributing somewhere. Structure makes a bigger difference than we expect.

adrianwaj14d ago

Why not just build something in the crypto ecosystem while you wait? Coins are cheap (compensation potential) and you can fast-code things.

Recently: https://www.ethnews.com/nasdaq-and-kraken-are-building-a-pla... https://oasis.net/blog/vibe-code-with-oasis https://github.com/orvexpay

Also, one can expect to see Linux on handheld soon (Mecha Comet.)

Also lots of crypto activity in the prediction markets.

I was thinking about some type of app when overseas to deal with translation and commerce combined. Maybe it could tie in with localized prediction markets and local produce?

The alt-season could be soon - once gold enters its bear phase.

calloutTime14d ago

I’ve started working as a substitute paraeducator for a local school district after being let go from tech. Working with students reveals work that ai will never help with. You can still make a difference.

fud101OP14d ago

Thanks that was my first impulse but in only a few years, it's become much harder to get back into teaching. I had a strong resume and reference but it wasn't enough to even get an interview for a community college gig.

1 more reply

marysminefnuf14d ago

as a teacher trueeeee

leet_thow14d ago

I'm retiring early and fill my days by exploring 20th century film, music and literature, using LLMs to critically examine them throughout the journey. Basically a free hobby with near limitless source material.

Blackstrat14d ago

But, how is that helping you? It's akin to reading other peoples reviews. Shouldn't you watch the film and do your own critical analysis? Relying on the LLM self defeating.

HeritageLab14d ago

This reads less like “AI poisoned the field” and more like the old map stopped working. The paycheck mattered, but so did the structure around it: deadlines, meetings, visible progress, a reason to keep moving. When that disappears, the loss often shows up as disgust with the whole ecosystem because there’s no replacement frame yet.

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