Ask HN: I am depressed, No job
I am self-taught, learned basic web development like WordPress and static websites. I have no degree and job. I am 30 and really depressed. What should I do?
As the years go by, you will gain more and more professional experience and then you will never have to worry about getting a job as a web developer again.
Keep moving and don't stop.
Maybe you need to get yourself a job in a supermarket stacking shelves whilst you build up your portfolio. And maybe building up your portfolio means you need to do those jobs for free.
I've been depressed before and found solace in speaking to somebody about it. This is your first step, the next step will be equally challenging to make but equally as rewarding.
Have faith in yourself.
If you enjoy web development I would recommend checking out Laravel.
It's a PHP framework so will build on your current skills.
laravel.com
laracasts.com
There is less competition and increasing demand for Laravel developers plus higher pay than WordPress/static sites.
Do you have any previous clients/employers you could contact and do contract work WP/static sites? To get some small wins?
Consider contacting local businesses that need a website, make a list of 10 businesses to visit per day pitching their first or a new website to their business manager.
In the past I've tested out providing the website, design, hosting and once monthly updates to content for a fixed fee vs a larger upfront cost. Setup a subscription with them through stripe or paypal so payments are automatic. Then you have some recurring revenue you can build up.
Exercising and eating right can help with depression so start an exercise program, pick up some new hobbies, hiking, photography, dust off a musical instrument.
I'll also throw out startupsfortherestofus.com, it's a great podcast on building your own business. This is something that takes time but if you're interested could be something you plan/grow over the next 10 years.
Good luck.
Find arty people who are doing what they do because they believe in it and don't have a ton of resources. hang out for a couple days, help out, see what they do, be inspired.
Depression sucks. I was on medication myself for quite a while over the last few years. My counselor said the meds and everything is about breaking out of the cycle. Your behaviour changing will change your body will change your emotions...
If you do get thoughts about death or hurting yourself, go see a doctor. Call the Samaritans. During depression your mind is swapping to disk everything else as the depression process keeps demanding resources. If you get healthy processes going, which may need help from medics (it may be something as simple as some vitamin deficiency!) Or hanging out with inspiring people, Then the brain can deprioritise it and re assign the resources.
Don't give up.
Glad to see I am not the only weirdo who thinks of mental illness in computer terms. :)
I did the C25K program (couch to 5k). It gave me a goal and pursuing it, offered small successes that I could be proud of. Having a goal that I could see me progressing towards was important. Running also offered a reprieve from self-deprecating intrusive thoughts, since my brain only had enough oxygen to focus on my breathing rythm. No time for ruminating.
I don't want to say that what I did was optimal or that I'd recommend to just tough it out like me, not seeing a professional. It was dangerous.
But running/other exercise may be something that you can do to build yourself up a bit and clear your head for at least an hour each day.
The Strategy, Story, & State framework popularized by Tony Robbins is worth a listen. Won't prentend its a panacea for clinical depression, but certainly good food-for-thought.> https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcast/3-steps-breakthrough/
Ordinary is easy pick a goal find, some one that is were you want to be and do what they did. You might not get the exact same results but usually pretty close.
extraordinary is harder you need to pick the biggest goal you can. be prepared to fail a lot, look for others to accomplish your goal with you, find intermediate milestones and accomplish them.
basically run at that brick wall with your face until you knock it down.
That said, the book may offer good advice, regardless of its association to Hubbard's Church. I don't believe atsaloli had any ill intent.
- Look at the kind of skills that are being asked for.
- Perhaps talk to a recruiter to see what sort of skills are in demand.
- Ask someone experienced for feedback on your CV, portfolio and/or pitch.
- Think about all your other strengths and experiences. Get feedback from others.
Use all the above data points to improve your offering in the market.