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Discussion on: Reviving career after a break and post multiple rejections!

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dmfay profile image
Dian Fay

Since your past experience is all as a sysadmin, you might shift your focus a little bit and look for a sysadmin position with a company poised to make the devops culture shift and catch that wave when it comes. Or just use it to build up more experience and take it someplace else -- the point is to minimize the number of factors you're working against.

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vinayhegde1990 profile image
Vinay Hegde

Hi Dian,

That was a very helpful feedback although your first point is something that I've already tried out during my career. And I believe no time is as good as now to catch the wave :)

However in my experience and opinion, working as a sysadmin again will be a step sideways rather than up because very few companies actually make that culture shift as you said.

Since I've a fair level of experience as an Ops professional, your 2nd point is what exactly I'm trying to do currently - could you please elaborate more on these factors and how do I minimize them?

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dmfay profile image
Dian Fay • Edited

Right now:

  • you're trying to shift your career focus
  • you're trying to return to the software industry after an employment gap

Each of those contributes to making it difficult to land a job. Trying to tackle both at once is harder than taking it one at a time, which is why I recommended the sideways move first. If you luck out and find a company about to make the leap, fantastic; otherwise, you're still collecting a paycheck and (potentially) gaining experience you can use to shop around for a job you're more interested in.

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vinayhegde1990 profile image
Vinay Hegde • Edited

Those are very valid points Dian, thanks for bringing them up!

While I was previously working, I did follow your approach of gaining experience so as to land a job of my interests before taking an abrupt break, unfortunately I didn't have much luck then.

Also, given the uncertainty of this industry - I feel re-trying something similar will leave me back to square one rather than help me proceed.

If you don't mind, could you please share any medium wherein I can connect with you personally to have a quick discussion on this?

I can be reached directly via email.

Again, many thanks for your clear and logical suggestions!

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dmfay profile image
Dian Fay

Comments are free but 1:1 career counseling is a job, and I don't have the time or honestly the inclination to take that on. Good luck out there!

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vinayhegde1990 profile image
Vinay Hegde

No problem, Dian!

I really appreciate you taking time and being inclined in sharing some great advice so far. Good luck to you too!