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Career advice for someone trying to move away from web / software development. (lemmings.world)

submitted 11 months ago by gunpachi@lemmings.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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It's been almost one year since I started working on my first job after graduating with a Batchelors Degree on Computer Science.

My job requires me to work on E-commerce websites which use salesforce commerce cloud and I don't like using it , nor do I feel any desire to learn any sort of web development. Everyday I wrap up work feeling like I'm not cut out to be a developer.... it feels like I'm stagnating.

Towards the end of my degree I was aware of the fact that my interest in fields like Machine Learning, Data Science, AI and software development were diminishing. I wanted something different, at that time Cybersecurity was the only field that really appealed to me, so I applied for a few jobs and none of them wanted freshers. Since money was tight, I had to find a job and I ended up becoming a web developer.

Right now I'm learning on the side for certifications like CompTIA Security+ (not necessarily for the certificates) in the hopes of landing a job in cybersec. I also have some Linux knowledge, but I doubt it is anywhere near the level required for a professional. I understand that cybersecurity is a broad field, so I'm still figuring out what job roles I should be looking at.

I don't know if I'm doing the right thing here, perhaps I should also consider jobs like devops too.

Any advice is appreciated.

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[–] SoBoredAtWork@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (2 children)

Salesforce e-commerce is horrendous.

Your interesting fields... AI, ML, Data Science, etc, seem amazing on paper and in the movies, but a) it takes an incredible amount of dedication to master and b) in the real world, it's monotonous, repetitive and frustrating work.

Cybersecurity sounds like the matrix or the movie Hackers, but in real life is incredibly complex, technical, not "exciting" by any means.

The entire industry sounds incredible. But it's a lot of work, takes a lot of dedication, and is more boring than you'd think.

All of the above also has a very steep learning curve. That doesn't help.

I'd say get into front end web, but you said you don't have any interest. Have you tried React or similar front end web stuff? I'd say it has a less steep learning curve and it's rewarding seeing the UI you build in real time. Maybe try it out?

I think the issue is that the entire industry is kind of over hyped and Hollywood-izd. It sounds cooler than it is. And it's very complex. Try to get into something that sounds interesting and hope you enjoy it.

[–] gunpachi@lemmings.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I understand what you are trying to say, looking for a different job in frontend is much less effort. I have tried my hand at React, vue and a couple of new frameworks, there was a time when I was excited to learn about new things - Now I'm no longer feeling that drive to learn anything about the field.

I have also tried working on some Machine Learning projects and thats how I came to the conclusion that I don't want to work in AI, ML and data science..

I started looking for jobs in cybersecurity, while being aware of it's boring and frustrating nature... so it's not like I just decided to jump ship because of the hype.

[–] SoBoredAtWork@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

Yeah, I get you. It's a crap situation to be in.

I love front end because I enjoy UI/UX and I generally prefer to work in large, complex applications. If I can have both, I'm good, and I've been fortunate enough to be working on large, interesting projects.

BUT, no matter what, I go in cycles of loving it and trying to learn as much as possible, then sometimes I stop giving a shit and spend my free time on the couch instead of learning or doing side projects.

I don't really know the point of this comment. I guess that, for me, at least, interest waxes and wanes. I just try to accept it and do whatever feels good at the moment. I don't really have any good advice, but how you find someone you enjoy (at least some of the time).