Hard truths I learned when I got laid off from my SWE job
&gt; You will have to interview for jobs where you will use a language you despise. Maybe even Java. Definitely Javascript.<p>No.<p>Or rather, maybe?<p>I have been fortunate enough that in a couple decades in this industry, including two major downturns, I&#x27;ve never been in a position that I &#x2F;must&#x2F; find a job on a particular timeline to pay the bills. While my life situation helps with this, I do recognize that luck is a major part of it.<p>As a result, this line in particular fails to resonate with me. If I take a job doing something that makes me miserable, I will be miserable. Maybe I can put up with it for six months, but what&#x27;s the point? During those six months, between working full time and being miserable, I will not be effective at looking for a long-term role I enjoy. Better to take a personal bridge loan and keep looking for something that works for me.<p>We&#x27;re software engineers. If, like me, having someone pay you to build cool shit is about as good as it gets -- hold out for that, don&#x27;t settle for doing what you &quot;despise&quot; instead.