I'm 40 years old and have been in IT for 20 years, the last 10 as a senior web developer. I'm completely burnt out and want to step away from work for a year, maybe two. We live in Canada, so healthcare is a non-issue here in a couple of ways: core medical care is publicly funded regardless of employment status, and on top of that, I'd be added to my wife's employer insurance for dental, vision, and prescriptions while I'm not working.

On the financial side, we have no mortgage, no kids, spend around $35,000/year, and have $1.1 million in investable assets also her income alone also covers our household expenses roughly twice over. Would you take on the risk of stepping away for a year or two in this situation? I know it might sound like an obvious yes, but I don't want this to unintentionally turn into permanent retirement.

My plan is to try freelancing and explore building something of my own with AI. I just don't have the energy to pursue that while working full-time — honestly, I can barely keep up with my actual job right now, let alone anything extra. The downside here of course is the opportunity cost on giving up a $130,000 salary, and given our very low living expenses almost 80% of the net pay goes to investments which essentially makes the opportunity cost even worse.

Edit

My wife is OK with this, I did also ask my company for a unpaid sabbatical but my company doesn't offer this.

I’m currently looking for a job opportunity as a Software Engineer / Software Developer. I have experience in software development, with a strong background in Flutter/Dart and building cross-platform applications for Android, iOS, and Web.

I also have experience with backend technologies such as Node.js, Express, Firebase, REST APIs, MongoDB, and Supabase. I’m open to software engineering, full-stack, mobile development, or other relevant software development roles where my skills can be useful.

I’ve worked on various projects, including AI-powered applications, e-commerce platforms, navigation/maps, real-time multiplayer applications.

FDE demand up 729%, average base salary of $171,911 - this is the hottest job in tech (for now).

Hey guys

Starting my journey to apply to jobs (yay, finally :))

I wanted to know if you guys have started applying using cv.md or resume.md files instead of the standard resume.pdf or resume.docx file these days.

Having fallen in love with .md recently (ahem!!), I feel they are so easy to edit and maintain that it should be the de-facto standard for us, devs. What's your take on this?

If this has not been done or not that popular, do you guys feel it will eventually become the format for us or for anyone, for that matter?

Hi ,

I am a software engineer working in a fast paced startup for about 1.5 years with current CTC of about 10 LPA and looking for job switch for software developer or software engineer role .

I have experience working initially as an automation engineer and then full role shift to development, resulting in hands on experience on technologies like JAVA , Golang, SQL .

Apart from the work experience, I also have build strong knowledge in backend including Javascript, Typescript, Node js, Express, PostgreSQL, Redis, Kafka and currently learning to build AI agents.

Above is the rawest possible expanation of some of my skills and my experience.

I am seeking to get help regarding any opportunity helping me to get more exposure, learnore and get a better hike in salary as well

If anyone of you would like share ajg thoughts or advices or any help on this please go ahead :)

hi all, we're DevsUnite, an AI hiring platform that works directly with companies to close roles fast. (search "devsunite" if you want to check us out)

DashLoc (Bengaluru) is hiring for 3 roles, all F2F interviews, BLR based candidates only:

1. AI Engineer (Applied AI / GenAI), 2+ yrs https://devsunite.com/jobs/dashloc-ai-engineer-applied-ai-genai-bengaluru-jul2026
2. Backend Developer, 0-1 yr https://devsunite.com/jobs/dashloc-backend-developer-bengaluru-jul2026
3. Flutter Developer, 2+ yrs https://devsunite.com/jobs/dashloc-flutter-developer-bengaluru-jul2026

Location: Bengaluru (in-office/F2F rounds). Please apply only if you're based in BLR.

Mercor is inviting experienced Software Developers to participate in a paid research study that will help improve the U.S. O*NET occupational database used to describe software development roles.

Opportunity snapshot

• Pay: $64/hour
• Location: Remote (United States)
• Type: Hourly Contract
• Time Required: Approximately 30 minutes

You're eligible if you

• Have 4+ years of experience as a Software Developer
• Are currently in the role or worked as one within the past 12 months
• Have hands-on experience with software design, development, and deployment
• Are based in the United States

Good to know

• This is a one-time online survey/interview
• Additional paid follow-up opportunities may be offered

Help improve how the software development profession is represented while earning for your expertise.

More details: https://t.mercor.com/Qg261

Remote | Contractor (15 hrs/week)

micro1 is seeking Senior Software Engineers to create real-world software engineering environments that help train next-generation AI models.

How you'll make an impact:

• Design coding challenges involving bug fixes, new features, and refactoring
• Build reproducible environments with automated validation
• Create reference solutions for complex engineering tasks
• Help improve AI reasoning using real software development workflows

The expertise they need:

• Strong experience with Python, Java, C++, Go, Rust, or TypeScript
• Deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, and performance optimization
• Experience debugging, refactoring, and maintaining large codebases
• Comfortable working in collaborative, remote engineering teams

No AI experience required. Your software engineering skills are what matter most.

Apply now: https://jobs.micro1.ai/senior-software-engineers

Most job seekers write one resume and send it to every posting. It feels efficient, but the cost shows up in the response rate. A resume that doesn’t match the language of a specific job description is often filtered out by an automated system before a person ever opens it. resume.zoevera.com checks that match before you apply and shows exactly which terms are missing.

What the automated filter is checking

An applicant tracking system compares the words in a resume against the words in a job posting. It isn’t reading for meaning the way a person does — it’s scoring overlap. A resume that says “managed stakeholders” when the posting says “led cross-functional teams” can score lower even if the underlying experience is identical. How ATS software actually reads a resume walks through the mechanism in more detail but the short version is that language match matters as much as the substance behind it, at least to get past the first filter.

Reading the posting for what it’s actually asking

Most people skim a job description once and start editing. A second, slower read turns up more. Requirements listed as “required” are non-negotiable from the employer’s side; anything under “preferred” is where a candidate can differentiate. Terms repeated more than once or twice in the posting are usually the ones the hiring manager cares about most, and specific tools named by name, a CRM, a testing framework, a compliance standard tend to function as hard filters rather than nice-to-haves.

Turning requirements into evidence

Once the requirements are listed out, the next step is matching each one to a specific line in the resume, not a vague sense that the experience exists somewhere. A software engineer’s bullet that reads “worked on backend improvements” says nothing an ATS or a recruiter can score. “Reduced average API response time from 450ms to 90ms by optimizing database queries across three services” says exactly what happened and what changed. The same logic applies outside engineering: a project manager’s “coordinated between teams to deliver on time” becomes more useful as “maintained a 94% on-time delivery rate across 18 sprints for a 12-person team.” Role-specific vocabulary matters here, which is why pages like software engineer resume keywords and project manager resume keywordsexist as a reference rather than a generic checklist.

Placing keywords without stuffing them in

The instinct to repeat every keyword from the posting as many times as possible usually backfires. Both automated systems and human readers can tell when a term was inserted rather than used. The more reliable approach is section by section: the summary picks up the role title and two or three top skills, the skills section mirrors the employer’s exact spelling and capitalization, and the work history section carries the rest through actual achievements. The keyword scanner shows where a resume is currently thin against a given posting, and the same logic extends to cover letters which get scanned by the same systems more often than most applicants assume.

Checking the match before sending it

The only way to know whether a resume clears a specific posting is to check it against that posting, not against a general sense of qualification. The match score tool does that comparison directly, and the walkthrough for tailoring a resume to a single job description covers what to do with the gaps it finds. None of this fixes a resume that is fundamentally aimed at the wrong role; matching language can’t close a real experience gap, but for a candidate who already meets most of the requirements, it’s usually the difference between a resume that gets read and one that doesn’t.

Where to start

Doing this by hand for every application adds up fast: twenty minutes per posting is unsustainable at the volume most job searches require. The ATS resume tips library breaks the vocabulary down by profession for anyone who wants to work through it manually, and for anyone whose applications keep going unanswered, why a resume stops getting interviews is a reasonable place to start narrowing down the cause. The broader site, www.zoevera.com, lists the rest of what’s built around this same problem.

Hey everyone,

We are currently looking for detail-oriented, qualified candidates to work on AI platforms (evaluating model responses, data annotation, and quality assurance).

This is a great fit if you're looking for flexible remote work with solid pay.

Requirements:

• English Proficiency: Strong written English skills (crucial for evaluating responses).
• Attention to Detail: Ability to follow guidelines, think critically, and spot subtle errors.
• Tech Setup: Reliable laptop/PC and a stable internet connection.

The Offer:

• Pay Rate: Starting at $15+/hour.
• Schedule: 100% Flexible — set your own hours and working days.
• Location: Fully Remote.

If you meet the requirements and are interested, please leave a comment below and send me a DM with a quick intro (or your background/skills). I’ll get back to you with the next steps!

To be honest, I don’t have professional experience in software development because I’m currently working in the healthcare sector but I do want related to IT. However, I have a strong understanding of DSA, Java, Spring Boot, and full-stack development. I’ve also built multiple full-stack projects and explored AI to some extent.
I believe I have the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to crack Google’s interviews. The only issue is that my resume isn’t getting shortlisted. Sometimes I wonder if it’s because my work experience isn’t related to software development rather than the quality of my personal projects.
How can I improve my resume so that it has a better chance of getting shortlisted by Google?

Have been kind of playing this out in my head and exploring different scenarios.

I've got 5 years of experience in full stack web development and quite a bit in building applications/microservices. But, never held an official title of Software Engineer because I've done contract work on the side as a freelancer, my own projects, or like my current role, I was hired to work with our company's newer software and design it's systems to match how our old mainframe software ran while building technical documentation and analyzing COBOL code.

I've never really considered building a network of connections like on LinkedIn because I always landed these positions without the use of LinkedIn and now I'm stuck in a bind where I am looking for an official role in Software Engineering and on a resume, it doesn't appear like I have much experience. I'm weighing whether I keep looking and building certifications and portfolios as much as possible, especially looking into all the Microsoft certs and comptia security+, but still not appearing great. Considering whether I should just pivot and look at other IT specific jobs while programming for fun and utility on the side at this point.

We run a curated talent network for engineers. You build one profile, we match you with multiple companies. You don't apply anywhere. Companies reach out to you. Free for candidates. US-based roles only.

Three software engineering openings I'm actively working right now:

1. Senior Software Engineer, Personalization at a Series B consumer events/social platform, in-person NYC (SoHo), $170K-$230K base. 5+ years leading complex technical projects, backend or infra specialization, AWS/Java/Python/TypeScript. You'd take personalization and ranking models from SageMaker experiments into production-grade serving infrastructure.
2. Staff Software Engineer at a Series A AI-native social commerce platform, hybrid Bay Area, $180K-$300K base plus early equity. Strong React product engineering experience, modern frontend tooling and state management. You'd build the AI-powered inbox and conversation tools that brands like OLIPOP and e.l.f. Cosmetics use to manage social engagement.
3. Senior Software Engineer at a seed-stage industrial software startup, in-person NYC, $180K-$260K base. Strong backend fundamentals required, AI-assisted engineering or DevOps/change-management exposure a plus. You'd build the backend systems that let AI operate safely on complex industrial infrastructure like power and water systems, with correctness and auditability as the core constraint.

All roles are vetted and actively interviewing.

DM me for questions. Sign up at talent.fonzi.ai to get matched with these and more, free.

Tasks

• Answer advanced computer science queries
• Collaborate with annotation leads and project managers
• Create golden responses for training
• Develop comprehensive explanations
• Document answer rationale and context
• Evaluate computer science data and solutions
• Participate in remote discussions and workshops

Perks/Benefits

• Remote work

Skills/Tech-stack

Computer Science | Data Science | Python

Education

PhD

Roles

Computer Science | Computer Science Expert

Apply now: https://aijobs.net/job/computer-science-expert-phd-remote-238345/

Hi everyone,
I’ve been trying to break into software development for over a year, and honestly, it’s been much harder than I expected.
I’ve applied to hundreds of junior developer roles and internships, worked on personal projects, improved my resume, practiced coding, and kept learning, but I still haven’t been able to get my first opportunity.
I know the market is tough, but I’m not giving up. If there are any recruiters, hiring managers, or experienced developers here who would be willing to review my resume, give me advice, or point me toward any junior opportunities, I would be incredibly grateful.
I’m based in Miami, FL, but I’m open to remote or relocation opportunities as well.
Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this. I truly appreciate any help or guidance.

Resource Depletion: As discussed, AI's thirst is unprecedented. A recent UN University report projects that by 2030, the global AI infrastructure will consume 9.3 trillion liters of water annually—equal to the basic domestic water needs of 1.3 billion people. It is also forcing power grids to rely more on fossil fuels to meet the massive electricity demand.

The Livelihood Crisis: Organizations like the World Economic Forum and the IMF note that AI is not just changing jobs; it is threatening livelihoods. While previous technological shifts replaced physical labor, AI is automating analytical and creative tasks. This strips away entry-level roles, cutting off the traditional pathways people use to build careers and develop institutional knowledge.

Why Do We "Need" It?

If we don't need AI to write emails or generate marketing copy, where is the actual necessity?

The argument for AI's necessity lies in scale and complexity. There are planetary-level problems that have grown too complex for human cognitive capacity to solve in the time we have left. We don't strictly "need" Generative AI (like ChatGPT or image generators) for human survival, but scientists argue we do need Analytical AI.

Here is where the technology is genuinely doing work humans could not do alone:

Medical and Biological Breakthroughs: For 50 years, biologists struggled to predict how proteins fold—a key to understanding and curing diseases. In just a few years, an AI system mapped over 200 million protein structures, effectively solving the problem and accelerating drug discovery by decades.

Climate and Energy Optimization: The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that AI could reduce global carbon emissions by up to 1.4 gigatons by 2035. It does this by analyzing vast amounts of satellite and weather data to perfectly balance power grids, seamlessly integrating unpredictable solar and wind energy.

Fixing Water Infrastructure: Ironically, AI is being deployed to solve water scarcity. Aging infrastructure worldwide leaks trillions of liters of clean water every year. AI-driven sensor networks monitor municipal pipes, predicting and pinpointing leaks in milliseconds before massive losses occur, achieving a scale of autonomous water management that manual systems simply cannot match.

What helped so far is using resume.zoevera.com to customize my resume for each application and prepare.zoevera.com to practice interviews with scenarios I was actually expecting. It made my prep feel a lot more intentional instead of just hoping I covered the right things. Anyone else found something that keeps everything organized?

I'm a software engineer with 4 years of experience, and lately I've been feeling lost—not because I don't know what to do, but because I feel like I'm trying to do it alone.

Around me, most people seem content with their current jobs and salaries. Everyone says they want a better company or a higher package, but very few are willing to consistently put in the hours required to get there. I don't mean this as criticism—it's just what I've observed.

The problem is that I'm also affected by my environment.

I genuinely want to improve. I've been trying to study DSA to become a better problem solver and prepare for higher-paying opportunities. I also want to deepen my backend engineering skills and eventually build products of my own.

But I struggle with consistency.

My brain constantly wants everything to be concise, fast, and immediately understandable. The moment something requires sustained effort, I find myself distracted. Then I feel guilty for not making progress, and the cycle repeats.

What I think I'm really missing isn't another course or roadmap—it's an environment.

I want to surround myself with people who are obsessed with building things, learning, and pushing themselves. People working on startups, open-source projects, SaaS products, AI tools, developer tools—anything where there's real ownership and continuous learning.

I'm not looking for shortcuts or passive motivation. I'm looking for a mission.

If you're building something and need another backend engineer who's willing to learn, contribute, and put in the work, I'd genuinely love to be involved. I don't expect immediate rewards—I want experience, accountability, and the chance to grow alongside ambitious people.

If you've ever felt this way and managed to break out of it, I'd really appreciate hearing what changed for you.

I'm 26, based in India, with 4 YOE in backend development (primarily Java/Spring Boot), and I'm ready to invest serious effort into becoming much better than I am today.

Thanks for reading.

TL;DR: Market's ~3x harder but the game isn't over. (1) Drop your resume with an updated recruiter list (shared mine above), (2) automate mass applications from a separate email so you can track what works, (3) don't sleep on small Fiverr/Upwork gigs, they turn into long-term clients, (4) secretremote for listings. No affiliation with anything I mentioned, most of it's free anyway.

I've been working remote since before it was cool, 10+ years now. Landing a full-time remote job has always been hard, but if you can keep a steady pipeline of small-to-mid gigs going, you can still earn well while working fewer hours.

Not gonna sugarcoat it though: the market is rough. A year and a half ago I'd see roughly 1 response per 35-50 applications. Now, from what I'm seeing, it's more like 1 in 150. So yeah, roughly 3x harder. Is sustainable remote income still possible in this market? My answer is yes. Response rates dropped, but they didn't hit zero. Here's what I actually use:

1) Email your resume directly to recruiters in your field

Someone shared a similar method here 2 years ago and it still works: The only problem is that list is outdated. I built my own updated tech recruiter list about 10 months ago, so here you go:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1p10y44QMgs39CZmPZ9z0AzwMYarqJR2tjVPoppRg_9g/edit?usp=sharing

• If you're in the US with work authorization, use the US tab
• If you're outside the US, use the International tab (companies that hire globally)

Heads up: it's tech recruiters only. If you're in a different field, build your own list. The post above explains how. Takes 2-3 days of grunt work, pays off for months.

Manage your expectations: this is not a fast method. The whole point is getting your resume in front of a ton of recruiters and talent networks so you're visible long-term. You send once, and responses trickle in over time. I average 2-3 interviews every 6-8 months from this list, without actively applying to anything.

2) Automated mass applications

On top of the list, I used an resume distribution tool (paid) to send out 300+ applications. One thing I'd recommend to everyone: I set up a separate email just for this, so I know exactly which channel each response comes from. Otherwise you'll never know what's actually working. This channel got me 2-4 interviews per 6-8 months.

If you're going to pay for a resume tool anyway, it makes sense to get one that also auto-applies: you drop in a job URL and it tailors your resume to the posting, writes the cover letter, and adds it to a job tracker. I'm not actively applying these days so I don't use it anymore, but if you're in the trenches right now, it does the job.

3) Fiverr / Upwork

Had accounts on both for years. It's not what it used to be and rates have dropped, I won't pretend otherwise. But as long as I stay active, I land at least 1 small project every ~6 months.

Concrete example: I picked up a basic QA testing gig at $50/hr. Did 3 jobs like that with the same client, and eventually they offered me a monthly contract off-platform. Ended up working 4 months at $700-800/month for about 1-2 hours a day (wrapped up last month).

I'm a software engineer, but I take QA gigs too. In this market I don't think I have the luxury of being picky, so I take whatever I can do well.

Bonus: everyone you work with over the years becomes part of your network. I've had clients from years ago come back with new projects out of nowhere. Don't sleep on small gigs.

4) Job boards

I don't use it much since I'm not actively applying, but if you're browsing listings, check out secretremote.com. It scans thousands of company career pages and pulls in real remote jobs, filtering out the spam, duplicates, and ghost listings. Free, no signup, and honestly cleaner results than most paid boards.