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1. 1frn0 (1frn0@post.lurk.org)'s status on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2022 08:35:45 UTC 1frn0

   I hate my web developer job. No time for unit testing, no time for documentation, no time for creativity or nice algorithms.
   Just use whatever trendy JS {front,back}end framework, ship high bandwidth, heavy, soulless sites in no time.
   The mere consciousness of it from my colleagues are jokes between two crypto bs talks. The climate catastrophes ahead are literally a joke to them.
   I hate that I contribute to this and I want out.

   Does anyone here have experience going from this kind of job to a more engineering-focused, ethical one? Tips? Interesting reads? I'd love to hear about it!

   Boosts are appreciated!

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   • khm (khm@mastodon.sdf.org)'s status on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2022 13:03:36 UTC khm

     in reply to

     @1frn0 Depending on where in the EU you are (or want to be) take a look at organizations like ETH Zurich, LRZ, CNRS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, etc. A lot of these research places have special recruiting tracks for IT-related staff; I certainly don't have a PhD but I still work in a research lab. It's always worth looking, and if the mission inspires you, maybe even e-mail places directly!

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   • khm (khm@mastodon.sdf.org)'s status on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2022 13:03:37 UTC khm

     in reply to

     @1frn0 Hi, I'm a systems administrator turned manager. I strongly encourage you to explore other sectors computing, but I also think the problems you're describing aren't inherent to any one field -- they're a product of a bad work culture. It's possible to pursue webdev in a thoughtful and principled shop, and I promise you'll find using your skills more rewarding in a better-run organization.

     Ask about this when you interview!

   • khm (khm@mastodon.sdf.org)'s status on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2022 13:03:37 UTC khm

     in reply to

     @1frn0 For more concrete advice, this sort of thing is why I prefer to work in academic or research settings, where profit is not the overriding goal. I've found great opportunities in state universities, national research labs, and even freelance consulting.

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   • 1frn0 (1frn0@post.lurk.org)'s status on Wednesday, 19-Jan-2022 13:03:37 UTC 1frn0

     in reply to

     • khm

     @khm I'm in the EU where universities unfortunately don't seem as accessible but research would be something I'd love. Also I think I'll eventually end up in other sector computing but I never looked at it as exploration. Thank you!

   • Thomas (tfb@functional.cafe)'s status on Thursday, 20-Jan-2022 01:00:01 UTC Thomas

     in reply to

     @1frn0 I contacted people in industry and universities. Sometimes there are paid research positions that can give job experience and academic credentials at the same time (I nearly went with that for bioinformatics), there's whatever CPF credits you might have.

     The approach I took was to find jobs with some overlap with my profile, and apply; initially that meant bioinformatics with a web component. With CAD, I had relevant programming language experience, experience building GUI applications, and I explained my interest in the subject and my willingness/desire to learn more. I got hired on at honestly too low a grade for my experience, but it worked out and I have no regrets.

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   • 1frn0 (1frn0@post.lurk.org)'s status on Thursday, 20-Jan-2022 01:00:03 UTC 1frn0

     in reply to

     • Thomas

     @tfb I have the three haha.
     I've considered a lot going back to uni, unfortunately and despite being in France I'm not in a place where I can go back to uni atm, but this is definitely something I keep in the back of my head.

     Regarding your shift in career, did you just try and shoot applications here and there explaining your hobby?

   • Thomas (tfb@functional.cafe)'s status on Thursday, 20-Jan-2022 01:00:04 UTC Thomas

     in reply to

     @1frn0 Do you have education, knowledge, or even just interest in something computing-adjacent?

     I moved out of webdev 20 years ago by shifting to bioinformatics (I have a biology education) and from there to microelectronics CAD. I had no education in electronics, but it had been a long-time hobby. It took a fair bit of effort, and some good luck.

     I’ve also seen people go back to university to facilitate a change like that. Universities in France are very accessible; I’m not sure where you‘re located.

     Feel free to ask any questions

   • Marcin Koziej (movonw@chaos.social)'s status on Thursday, 20-Jan-2022 01:00:10 UTC Marcin Koziej

     in reply to

     @1frn0 On another level I try not to focus so much on the tech itself, but what is it used for. I've been working for NGOs and definitely they do not pay as much as for profits or silicon valley speculators..but you see that your work brings joy and goodness to the world.
     Right now I am building an action tool for progressive movements https://proca.app which is also free software. And we are looking for a front-end dev if you're interested

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