I graduated with a Master’s in Computer Science seven months ago, and like many others, I’ve sent out hundreds of applications with no callbacks or interviews. I’ve tailored my resume with help from others, written cover letters, and applied to pretty much any job that involves sitting behind a desk: dev roles, analyst positions, ITS Help Desk, college admissions, you name it.
The few jobs where I networked my way into interviews ended in offers, only to be rescinded due to hiring freezes. It’s disheartening, to say the least.
I’m not one of those people who gets excited about migrating to the cloud or optimizing a codebase. I don’t mind the work, but when you factor in the uncertainty of the field, the scarcity of jobs, and the increasingly high bar to even get a foot in the door, the field couldn’t seem less enticing right now, let alone a viable way of making a stable living.
I’m willing to work hard and can get things done just as well as any other applicant, new grad or not. But with the current market for entry-level positions, the competition from laid-off senior engineers, and the general instability and shrinking opportunities… at what point do I just call it and switch careers and fields? Where would I even go, and how?
It’s okay to acknowledge when it’s time to pivot. Sometimes, it takes more courage to admit defeat and move on than to keep pushing forward. But how do you know when it’s time to give up on a dream job and explore other options?
## Signs It’s Time to Pivot
– **You’ve been applying for months with no progress**: If you’ve been sending out applications for months with no callbacks or interviews, it might be time to reassess your strategy or consider other fields.
– **You’re not passionate about the work**: If you’re not excited about the work itself, it might be time to explore other options that align better with your passions and values.
– **The market is highly competitive**: If the job market is highly competitive, and you’re not getting any traction, it might be time to consider other fields that are less saturated.
## Where to Go and How
– **Explore related fields**: If you’re interested in tech but not specifically in CS, consider exploring related fields like data science, UX design, or IT project management.
– **Transferable skills**: Identify the skills you’ve developed in CS that are transferable to other fields, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, or communication skills.
– **Networking**: Network with people in other fields to learn more about their experiences and gain insights into new industries.
It’s not an easy decision to give up on a dream job, but sometimes it’s necessary. By acknowledging the signs it’s time to pivot and exploring new options, you can find a career path that’s more fulfilling and stable.