Techie's Odyssey: Battling Rejections, Pursuing Dreams

These two statements—' We are currently unable to hire in your country of residence for this position' and 'Unfortunately, we will not be moving forward with your application, but we appreciate your time and interest'—echo all too often among tech enthusiasts, particularly new techies, and especially those from Africa. You are more likely to receive them if you're not from Nigeria or South Africa. These phrases have the power to crush spirits, leading you to question your tech journey and even contemplate returning to your former job or seeking alternative paths just to make ends meet.

These sentiments are intensified, particularly for millennials like me, raised by parents who didn't prioritize our dreams. In their eyes, success meant obtaining a professional degree while leaving aside any other passions. Tech careers were often disregarded, seen as routes to becoming struggling adults whose only relevance was fixing gadgets when professionals needed help. So, those of us who wanted to be techies alongside our other passions often had to settle for anything but tech. Although the situation has improved somewhat, remnants of these beliefs persist. (Disclaimer: I am passionate about being a doctor and a musician as well. My dream has always been to find a way to merge all 3 to heal the world and promote unity).

This mindset bred a generation compelled to fulfill our parents' aspirations before pursuing our passions. Imagine dedicating years to education and internships just to earn the freedom to embrace tech in addition to other dreams, only to face rejection at the doorstep. 'Remote' jobs, which are supposed to be location-independent, are limited only to Europe, North America, and select Asian countries. 'Internship' or 'entry-level' roles demand 1-3+ years of prior experience, undermining their very nature.

While arguments may arise to explain these dynamics, the tech industry itself reveals inherent flaws in nurturing new tech talent. We're required to refine ourselves before companies take notice. Those without degrees in Computer Science (CS) face further disadvantages, often encountering double the challenges. Honest African techies might admit that relocation seemed the only solution at some point. Others would also share stories of mastering their craft to an advanced level just to be considered for entry-level positions.

Regrettably, as we secure jobs and make progress, we tend to forget our struggles, offering explanations and excuses when others share their frustrations with us. Instead of improving conditions for the next generation, we assimilate into the system, only to be impacted again during massive layoffs. A cycle that could have been curbed, if we had lent our voices to criticize this system when we occupied positions where our voices could make a difference.

Consider the medical profession. No doctor graduates and is instructed to stay home, diagnose diseases, and treat them in their community while building a portfolio. Unlike tech, other fields don't follow this model. Most doctors benefit from mentorship through foundational programs, post-graduate years, and residencies that refine their skills under pressure.

Techies are problem solvers, but problems cease being problems if you dictate the terms and conditions. Solving problems is more effective within an environment where you're expected to deliver excellent results using your current knowledge, guided by experienced mentors. Think on this: a problem solver thrives best when moulded by real-world challenges and the guidance of those who have walked the path before.

Furthermore, Open Source, while valuable, demands much from techies who often struggle financially, excluding the few paid positions that rarely extend to non-CS degree holders or non-students. Asking them to dedicate more time and resources they lack to unpaid work isn't sustainable. Technical writing often rejects numerous topic suggestions, particularly if they seem beginner-level, as many technical writing companies focus on mid to senior-level techies. This pattern, once again, disappoints newcomers. The cost of entry into our industry is high, justified by excuses from experienced colleagues.

Anyway, before proceeding, remember 3 things.

First and foremost, this isn't meant to discourage any techie or aspiring techie; there are numerous success stories who have overcome worse situations, from whom you can draw inspiration. I will encourage you to keep pushing, and eventually, a door will open for you.

Second, as an evolving techie, my resume lacks key elements to thrive in today's market, as do many others. For instance, I'm still working on my portfolio, which I dread filling with modified versions of projects already created by countless programmers.

Lastly, this isn't a criticism of companies, techies, or recruiters. As business owners, you're entitled to make choices that suit your needs.

Rather, it's a call to persevere as a beginner or entry-level techie. Explore every pathway and suggestion. If they don't work, don't lose hope. Dust yourself off and keep trying. Eventually, something will work out.

This is also an explanation of the origins of the 'Jobless Series.' In this series, I'll cover three areas I'm comfortable with, starting from the basics and building upwards: Web Development [Techie's Odyssey], Web and Mobile Design (UI/UX) [Creative's Expedition], and some Clinical Medicine topics [Medics Insight]. These pieces will be shared on LinkedIn, Twitter, and my blogs (Medium, Dev.to, and Hashnode). I'll do my best to explain them based on my understanding, perspective, and research. I'll include projects, quizzes, and even interview questions where applicable, sharing ideas as we navigate them. This isn't a place for me to teach, but rather to share my knowledge, learn from others, and improve my skills through collaboration. It's an open platform for us to learn from one another, and I'll be in the comments section, eager to learn from those willing to teach.

I hope this series benefits us all as we await our breakthroughs in the tech world. Below are some topics I'll begin with, and I look forward to seeing you all on January 1st, 2024 when I post the first educational piece to kick off the series. Thank you for your time and consideration.

With love and light,

Benny Blvck.