Elsewhere, I cannot speak. In the valley they exist, but aren’t a majority.
Most founders value their people extremely well, because they want to retain them.
Overhiring during the pandemic was obviously a mistake, but once someone did the options quickly became “die” or “cut,” so they cut.
I didn’t have to lay anyone off, but the company that acquired us had plenty of layoffs. Founders aren’t actually as much the issue as huge companies.
I know it does not help but the founder I work for is absolutely not in that train. When world was hiring like crazy he was executing his plan which was driven by sustainability and revenue. So when crisis knocked to our door, not a single dev was laid off, and we actually hired two (unfortunately we are not hiring now..). This guy is a role model for me when it comes to doing business.
Have you tried, say, some cosmetics brand that needs a Shopify site updated?
Gov jobs? I had a friend who was a star at a startup, but couldn't do the crazy hours after an injury, but she still makes decent money and gets a pension at a large organization with low expectations.
Sales engineer jobs? Normally sales jobs are still high demand during a recession and some roles require technical experience.
Also you could try jobs outside your country. Some may not pay as well in cash and may not get the same level of savings, but an experienced engineer could get a job that pays top 5-10% and get a luxurious life compared to the local living expenses. I think Mexico pays quite well, but you can also look to places like India as well.
Still, best of luck in your job search. Honestly, I have reason to believe it may dip worse, so you might want to consider looking into a lower league.
Maybe state/local (though depending on where you are you'll be in for one hell of a paycut), but from what I've seen, federal jobs are the chooisest beggars out there.
My back is against the wall. I've applied to more companies than I can keep track of. I've exhausted my savings. Friends and family have already helped as much as they can. I'm days away from having some life changing situational events happen.
I've recently seen a small uptick in interviews, but over the last year almost nothing has moved past the initial call/zoom meeting.
I managed to pick up a single contract in September but that ended after a month (founder ran out of cash).
I've never seen the job market this bad in the last 15 years, and that's even including the 2007/8 financial crisis.
If anyone has any kind of role, no matter how junior, please contact me asap.