The rise and fall of my tech career.
I graduated from a top university in US with a non-comp science degree. But somehow broke into the tech industry. And I was the only one in my batch to do so.
I started my career in data science as an Analyst and worked at three FAANGM companies. I moved from Analyst to Data Scientist over the years. Then I got smitten with the PM bug.
I managed swicthed from DS to PM at a tier 3 company, and took a 13% paycut.
At the begining of this year I had a premonition for a layoff at my last company. So I managed to get an offer by the end of Feb. Unfortunately that offer got rescinded, thanks to covid, and I am jobless since then.
I tried interviewing at FAANG for a PM role but couldnt clear the bar, maybe becuase my inexperience as a new PM. Other than FANG, I got rejected from other companies as well. I had one offer from a Tier 3 company, but the position went on hold. My phone screen pass rate was 43%. But I couldnt convert any of the 6 onsites I had so far. (not counting the rescinded ones).
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Its been 4 months I am out of work and I am eating my savings. My life just took a downturn and it has been really difficult for me to accept reality.
I am considering to go back to DS and have started applying already. But havent got much response yet. Also my skills have gone rusty.
It has been a long and frustarting job hunt for past 4 months. And I am feeling pretty low, hopeless, and angry on myself on screwing eveything up. Not to mention the shame and humiliation I brought on myself and to my family. At this point, I am not sure if anyone would hire me since I have been unemployed for so long.
I humbly ask the Blind community share some perspective and advice. That will be immensly helpful. (no trolls please)
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#tech #career #datascience #product #help
old TC: (DS) : $160 K
last TC (PM) : $140 K
current TC : $0
YOE: 7 yrs
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comments
Anyway, what are savings for if not to be used when something out of control happens? I assume you weren't saving for some obscenely expensive operation for a loved one, and everything else doesn't matter. It's just money, and the entire point of money is being able to spend it.
a) M/L Engineering (high emphasis on Engineering)
b) Ph.D level Math/Computer Science
Before, anyone who used a Python/Tensorflow library on Toy Data or pristine, clean data called themselves Data Scientists. At many organizations, they were looking for data to be curated and handed over (with engineers doing most of the hard work of data pipelining and cleaning) to them while they simply applied a DS package and commanded big bucks for it and companies flush with Softbank money hired them.
Post COVID world, smart companies definitely want Engineers or Ph.D dudes to do DS