Losing a job can be tough, but for one software engineer, it turned into a completely new path. After six months of trying and failing to find another tech role, he finally decided to take a job at the bar
instead of behind a computer.
A Reddit post shared the story of a 4-year-experienced software engineer from the University of Michigan who faced endless rejections. Despite applying to hundreds of jobs across cities and positions, he couldn’t land a single offer.
“My laid-off 4 YOE former SWE CS UMich grad friend has capitulated. He had to get a job as a bartender,” the post read.
Rejections And Ghosting At Every Step
The Reddit user wrote that the techie had tried everything: resume reviews by former managers, professors and online communities. Still, every application ended in either silence or a polite rejection saying another candidate was a “better fit.”
Desperate for work, he even applied for help desk jobs and was offered one that seemed remote but turned out to be a “bait and switch.” The role required him to move 2,000 miles away for a lower salary than a retail job.
Finding Stability In Bartending
With his savings almost gone, he took up a bartending job in Santa Cruz. It wasn’t what he planned, but it gave him a sense of purpose and a steady income through tips.
“This market is brutal,” the Redditor wrote. “I guess our emergency funds should be upped to 24 months instead of six months,” the Reddit user added.
My laid-off 4 YOE former Microsoft SWE CS UMich grad friend has capitulated. He had to get a job as a bartender.
byu/ContainerDesk incscareerquestions
People On Social Media Relate To His Struggle
Shared on November 3, the post garnered over 1,400 upvotes so far. In addition, the post struck a chord with many who had gone through similar experiences.
A user said, “I got laid off in January and only just signed an offer last month. I used almost all my savings.”
Another wrote, “I have 3 years of experience as an SWE and now work as a ramp agent at the airport. Got laid off in February and couldn’t find anything.”
“I was laid off five years ago and ended up becoming a high school teacher,” an individual commented.
“How do you work at Microsoft for 4 years and not have at least 6 figures in the bank? Doesn’t add up,” a person asked.
