Entrepreneurs will sometimes complain how they can’t find good programmers, and how there’s a shortage in tech. But they’re not talking about people like me, they’re talking about twenty-something Ivy League post docs with stellar CVs.

And this is when the author devolved into nonsensical ranting.

I agree that the hiring process for programmers is too full randomness but many of the authors other complaints have been alleviated. Most of the companies I interact with have modified their requirements to state “degree in ‘X’ or equivalent work experience”. In other words, having had years of experience with a solidly composed resume that showcases that experience far surpasses the requirement for a degree. Also, “Ivy League” degrees are, for the most part worthless when competing for bottom tier Dev work like the author is. Any company or manager impressed by an ivy league comp sci bachelors degree is not someone you want to work for.

Working in IT is a great equalizer. The only things that matter are your experience, your skill set, how well you can compose a resume, and your network (very important). By the author’s own admission, they self-sabotaged their own career by sitting on their ass for a decade, letting their skill set become obsolete, let their experience be limited and out of date, and clearly never grew (probably shrunk) their network by isolating themselves in their little corner.

My advice to anyone in the field is to see yourself as a professional athlete. If you keep your skills sharp, expand your toolkit by learning new skills, become proactively involved in projects (even if they are your own side ones), and stay up to date with emerging systems (tons of free online classes or relatively inexpensive courses), you will not only always have a job, you will be well compensated. Don’t and you cut from the team.

The hiring system is inefficient. It’s hard for workers to find work and “entrepreneurs” to find workers. Those who succeed are those who go the extra mile. That applies to workers but also to companies. Want to attract top talent consistently and without drowning in less than mediocre resumes? Pay more and offer incentives like profit sharing and work life balance . The days of coasting by just existing and with minimum effort have past.