Hey everyone, I'm facing the possibility of being made redundant soon, and I wanted to get some insights on the current job market. It's been about 4 years since I last searched for work, and I know things have changed. I'm a front end/UI engineer/architect with over 12 years of experience, located in the South West of the UK, about a 3-hour train ride from London. From what I've seen in my initial job searches, it seems that salaries are lower and there are fewer opportunities for fully remote work. I'm also curious about the contractor scene post-IR35 and the impact of COVID. Any thoughts or experiences you can share would be much appreciated!
5 Answers
I can totally relate. I’ve been job hunting for a while, and remote jobs are almost nonexistent now. It feels like the landscape has completely shifted since the pandemic. I used to get plenty of offers, but now I’m just getting ghosted by recruiters.
I've also been trying to pivot into self-employment. The responses have been pretty weak, though. Maybe it’s time to consider a completely different field or even a side gig. Who knows, it might be time to plant some soybeans or something!
Honestly, the job market in tech is rough right now across the board. I’ve got 14 years in the mix, and it’s crickets out there for everyone, including my partner in finance. IR35 and other government policies have made it even harder for contractors too, which is a bummer.
Thanks for the insight! It seems like the regulations have really shaken things up for many of us.
If you're thinking about going freelance, now might be a good time. I've seen some increase in freelance work lately, but it's definitely fluctuating. The situation with IR35 is a hassle, but it can push some companies toward hiring freelancers instead of full-time employees.
It really sucks to see so many experienced developers struggling. With so many new developers entering the field, it feels like the competition is tougher than ever, especially for roles that pay decently. Your 12 years of experience is great, but it seems like many companies are willing to hire less experienced folks at lower salaries.
Haha, I guess we all need a backup plan! But seriously, any tips on starting that kind of transition would be awesome.