Hacker NewsI'm 3 years into my career as a software engineer. I became enthralled with programming while in graduate school (studying a completely different discipline) and decided to drop out to pursue a 2nd BS in computer science.
I work at a large F500 corporation that is attempting to brand itself as a tech company. But the reality is, there really isn't an engineering culture. I'm at an impasse with regard to my career and emphasizing my professional growth. I've identified what I would like to have moving forward, but I have no frame of reference to know whether it is realistic to find a balance to these key things:
1. *Passion for Craftsmanship* - Mentorship is a big ask of more experienced individuals. I'm eager to learn and to do so in an environment where people get excited building things. I recognize my development is largely my responsibility, but I'm desperate for feedback on how I can improve and grow.
2. *Available Opportunities* - I didn't make the career change for the money, but its nice to have. But not so nice, I'd want to be completely miserable for it. I've seen it be suggested that being in a major tech hub would be beneficial both in terms of salary as well as opportunity. At present I'm willing to relocate to wherever the opportunities exist. I moved across the US for my current role, but the surrounding region isn't bustling with SWE jobs should I find myself unemployed.
I don't dislike where I am at currently but I do dislike that I feel a sense of stagnation seeping in. My attempts at articulating my desire for a challenge at work get pushed aside and while my performance reviews keep coming in glowing, I feel stuck and don't feel like I am doing my best work.
How do you vet companies / jobs that have what your looking for in terms of growing your career?
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