Ask HN: I am depressed, No job
I am self-taught, learned basic web development like WordPress and static websites. I have no degree and job. I am 30 and really depressed. What should I do?
15 comments
You should go out and get any job that you can, no matter how menial it is. There is nothing worse than being an unemployed adult male in America...But at the same time try to get professional experience in web development by signing up with recruiters or a job agency that will get you a job that pays by the hour.
As the years go by, you will gain more and more professional experience and then you will never have to worry about getting a job as a web developer again.
Keep moving and don't stop.
As the years go by, you will gain more and more professional experience and then you will never have to worry about getting a job as a web developer again.
Keep moving and don't stop.
What does your perfect world look like? What is the one thing that you can do to take the first step in accomplishing that? Once you've accomplished that, take the next step. These steps don't need to be big, they can be as small necessary - so long as you're moving forward.
Maybe you need to get yourself a job in a supermarket stacking shelves whilst you build up your portfolio. And maybe building up your portfolio means you need to do those jobs for free.
I've been depressed before and found solace in speaking to somebody about it. This is your first step, the next step will be equally challenging to make but equally as rewarding.
Have faith in yourself.
Maybe you need to get yourself a job in a supermarket stacking shelves whilst you build up your portfolio. And maybe building up your portfolio means you need to do those jobs for free.
I've been depressed before and found solace in speaking to somebody about it. This is your first step, the next step will be equally challenging to make but equally as rewarding.
Have faith in yourself.
There are lots of WordPress developers out there, it's time to level up.
If you enjoy web development I would recommend checking out Laravel.
It's a PHP framework so will build on your current skills.
laravel.com
laracasts.com
There is less competition and increasing demand for Laravel developers plus higher pay than WordPress/static sites.
Do you have any previous clients/employers you could contact and do contract work WP/static sites? To get some small wins?
Consider contacting local businesses that need a website, make a list of 10 businesses to visit per day pitching their first or a new website to their business manager.
In the past I've tested out providing the website, design, hosting and once monthly updates to content for a fixed fee vs a larger upfront cost. Setup a subscription with them through stripe or paypal so payments are automatic. Then you have some recurring revenue you can build up.
Exercising and eating right can help with depression so start an exercise program, pick up some new hobbies, hiking, photography, dust off a musical instrument.
I'll also throw out startupsfortherestofus.com, it's a great podcast on building your own business. This is something that takes time but if you're interested could be something you plan/grow over the next 10 years.
Good luck.
If you enjoy web development I would recommend checking out Laravel.
It's a PHP framework so will build on your current skills.
laravel.com
laracasts.com
There is less competition and increasing demand for Laravel developers plus higher pay than WordPress/static sites.
Do you have any previous clients/employers you could contact and do contract work WP/static sites? To get some small wins?
Consider contacting local businesses that need a website, make a list of 10 businesses to visit per day pitching their first or a new website to their business manager.
In the past I've tested out providing the website, design, hosting and once monthly updates to content for a fixed fee vs a larger upfront cost. Setup a subscription with them through stripe or paypal so payments are automatic. Then you have some recurring revenue you can build up.
Exercising and eating right can help with depression so start an exercise program, pick up some new hobbies, hiking, photography, dust off a musical instrument.
I'll also throw out startupsfortherestofus.com, it's a great podcast on building your own business. This is something that takes time but if you're interested could be something you plan/grow over the next 10 years.
Good luck.
Go find some local charities, children's theatre companies, dance groups, churches, mosques, artisan coffee shops etc, and offer to make free? Or payment in kind (free coffee?) Sites for them to build a portfolio.
Find arty people who are doing what they do because they believe in it and don't have a ton of resources. hang out for a couple days, help out, see what they do, be inspired.
Depression sucks. I was on medication myself for quite a while over the last few years. My counselor said the meds and everything is about breaking out of the cycle. Your behaviour changing will change your body will change your emotions...
If you do get thoughts about death or hurting yourself, go see a doctor. Call the Samaritans. During depression your mind is swapping to disk everything else as the depression process keeps demanding resources. If you get healthy processes going, which may need help from medics (it may be something as simple as some vitamin deficiency!) Or hanging out with inspiring people, Then the brain can deprioritise it and re assign the resources.
Don't give up.
Find arty people who are doing what they do because they believe in it and don't have a ton of resources. hang out for a couple days, help out, see what they do, be inspired.
Depression sucks. I was on medication myself for quite a while over the last few years. My counselor said the meds and everything is about breaking out of the cycle. Your behaviour changing will change your body will change your emotions...
If you do get thoughts about death or hurting yourself, go see a doctor. Call the Samaritans. During depression your mind is swapping to disk everything else as the depression process keeps demanding resources. If you get healthy processes going, which may need help from medics (it may be something as simple as some vitamin deficiency!) Or hanging out with inspiring people, Then the brain can deprioritise it and re assign the resources.
Don't give up.
>If you do get thoughts about death or hurting yourself, go see a doctor. Call the Samaritans. During depression your mind is swapping to disk everything else as the depression process keeps demanding resources. If you get healthy processes going, which may need help from medics (it may be something as simple as some vitamin deficiency!) Or hanging out with inspiring people, Then the brain can deprioritise it and re assign the resources.
Glad to see I am not the only weirdo who thinks of mental illness in computer terms. :)
Glad to see I am not the only weirdo who thinks of mental illness in computer terms. :)
I think its the best way to depersonalise it, and make it easier to cope with.
I don't have enough experience to give you advice about jobs but a few years ago, I went through a major depressive 'episode' that lasted for about 2-3 years, suicidal thoughts and all. One thing that saved me was exercise.
I did the C25K program (couch to 5k). It gave me a goal and pursuing it, offered small successes that I could be proud of. Having a goal that I could see me progressing towards was important. Running also offered a reprieve from self-deprecating intrusive thoughts, since my brain only had enough oxygen to focus on my breathing rythm. No time for ruminating.
I don't want to say that what I did was optimal or that I'd recommend to just tough it out like me, not seeing a professional. It was dangerous.
But running/other exercise may be something that you can do to build yourself up a bit and clear your head for at least an hour each day.
I did the C25K program (couch to 5k). It gave me a goal and pursuing it, offered small successes that I could be proud of. Having a goal that I could see me progressing towards was important. Running also offered a reprieve from self-deprecating intrusive thoughts, since my brain only had enough oxygen to focus on my breathing rythm. No time for ruminating.
I don't want to say that what I did was optimal or that I'd recommend to just tough it out like me, not seeing a professional. It was dangerous.
But running/other exercise may be something that you can do to build yourself up a bit and clear your head for at least an hour each day.
Go get a job, put your talent to work. You don't need a degree, you dont need schooling, you need to apply yourself, make a portfolio site, show previous work examples, and either do a freelancing gig, or apply to web companies. You are the only thing standing in your way of success.
> I am 30 and really depressed. What should I do?
The Strategy, Story, & State framework popularized by Tony Robbins is worth a listen. Won't prentend its a panacea for clinical depression, but certainly good food-for-thought.> https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcast/3-steps-breakthrough/
The Strategy, Story, & State framework popularized by Tony Robbins is worth a listen. Won't prentend its a panacea for clinical depression, but certainly good food-for-thought.> https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcast/3-steps-breakthrough/
The problem with depression is that it prevents you from doing anything, so the first step is to get therapy, anything else could make the depression worse :\
Do you want to be extraordinary or ordinary?
Ordinary is easy pick a goal find, some one that is were you want to be and do what they did. You might not get the exact same results but usually pretty close.
extraordinary is harder you need to pick the biggest goal you can. be prepared to fail a lot, look for others to accomplish your goal with you, find intermediate milestones and accomplish them.
basically run at that brick wall with your face until you knock it down.
Ordinary is easy pick a goal find, some one that is were you want to be and do what they did. You might not get the exact same results but usually pretty close.
extraordinary is harder you need to pick the biggest goal you can. be prepared to fail a lot, look for others to accomplish your goal with you, find intermediate milestones and accomplish them.
basically run at that brick wall with your face until you knock it down.
I'm self taught too. No degree. I found inspiration from a booklet "The Way To Happiness". http://www.thewaytohappiness.org. I invite you to look it over and see if there's any part that is real or speaks to you. Work towards your own happiness. Good luck on your journey.
I don't know the teachings of The Way to Happyness, but they were written by L. Ron Hubbard, also known as the founder of the Church of Scientology. Please be careful not to cross your path with this cult. They have a well documented history of fraudulent behaviour. They drop the love bomb https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_bombing to lure people in emotional need.
That said, the book may offer good advice, regardless of its association to Hubbard's Church. I don't believe atsaloli had any ill intent.
That said, the book may offer good advice, regardless of its association to Hubbard's Church. I don't believe atsaloli had any ill intent.
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- Look at the market for web development jobs.
- Look at the kind of skills that are being asked for.
- Perhaps talk to a recruiter to see what sort of skills are in demand.
- Ask someone experienced for feedback on your CV, portfolio and/or pitch.
- Think about all your other strengths and experiences. Get feedback from others.
Use all the above data points to improve your offering in the market.
- Look at the kind of skills that are being asked for.
- Perhaps talk to a recruiter to see what sort of skills are in demand.
- Ask someone experienced for feedback on your CV, portfolio and/or pitch.
- Think about all your other strengths and experiences. Get feedback from others.
Use all the above data points to improve your offering in the market.
- Forget HN/Reddit and new tech.
- Open Linkedln or whatever is used in your area and start from the jobs available, not the tech you know/like
maybe look into some other web platforms, popular as wordpress is i dont think they have any sort of accredited course or certification, if you dont have the work history a few certifications could go a fair way to making you look a bit better on paper
People who work complain about not having enough non-work time. Enjoy it while it lasts!