hownow

Around two years ago I found myself in a deep depression, burnt out, and I quit my job. Luckily, I was in a place financially and personally to be able to take a break from work. I didn’t really have a plan, I just knew that something needed to change.

I’m happy to report that I was able to find a way out of my depression, and I would like to resume my fulfilling career as a developer (which was mostly as a frontend developer). But I’m lost as to the best way to do so. I originally got my first job through self teaching and a boot camp. I feel as though I “sold” myself as a self motivated, smart guy who was ready to tackle whatever. That “sale” worked because that is what I was, I’m not a good salesman, I just told the truth. I quickly moved up in pay and responsibility over four and a half years.

Now, however, I struggle with the idea that I seem washed up, and out of practice. I’ve taken some online courses and done open source work. But my history looks like patchwork (ala Github graph), and I haven’t had a real job in two years.

I know the common strategies: build something, write a blog, work as a freelancer, etc. In order to get back into the game. I was able to get myself my first job with no experience, but now I feel like I’m less employable because of my hiatus.

I wasn’t sure how this post would come out. It turned out that I used “I feel” a lot. I know the practical steps to get back into my career. Maybe I’m looking for encouragement. For you kind souls who have read this far - if you have any practical advice or personal anecdotes, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you.