As a software engineer I have adapted to the world turning upside down every couple of years and having to learn new concepts and technologies. However, I have been noticing other fields struggling to adapt as things change in a faster scale.

For example, some researchers have pointed out that the number of papers about ADHD increases exponentially every year. However, most mental health professionals, at least in my area, seem to be severily outdated, often using information that has been debunked within the last 10-20 years.

So, I was wondering if other fields are affected and how they are adapting?

Edit: Bonus question, assuming a 40hr week (a luxury for most), how much time out those 40hrs would you need to spend on education?

  • candyman337M
    26•5 months ago

    Capitalism and the corporate environment have really sapped my enthusiasm for software development.

    Corporate development makes me feel like SpongeBob in that one beach episode.

    I often feel like I’m doing the devil’s bidding, only to be paid so I don’t starve, and then they’ll throw me to the wayside when I’m no longer “useful”. Makes me not want to learn, why should I? It doesn’t give me job security, or better hire ability.

    • mesamuneEnglish
      11•5 months ago

      I felt like that until I started working for a couple of non-profits and then later government. My job actually makes people have a better time in life. Its kinda nice nowadays.

      • candyman337M
        3•5 months ago

        Yeah I’ve definitely wanted to get into those sectors as well, but I don’t really know how to get my foot in the door or where to look, plus at least for my local government the pay is abysmal, any tips you have I would appreciate!

        • @[email protected]
          4•5 months ago

          I agree with the sentiment around getting into government work. I somewhat stumbled into my current job but love a lot of things about it. Our company contracts with the US federal government and I work specifically with the VA.

          Don’t know what specific skills you have experience in but I know we’re pretty much always hiring: https://oddball.io/jobs/

        • mesamuneEnglish
          3•5 months ago

          For government work, I stumbled into it. A friend got me the foot in the door. I really wish I could give you better advice on that but thats the truth. Its really flipping hard to get a job in my local gov area. Gov pay can be bad but it heavily depends on what/where you are. I make around -15% less than my last place, but I get a pension after a couple of years, so it evens out. Plus I dont feel like im selling my soul for a couple of bucks.

          For non-profits, I simply searched for them on linkedin/indeed and found a couple in my area looking for software devs. The interview process is about the same as any other place, but they did take a look at my GitHub profile more than some others. At least when I got started.

          So just like anything:

          1. Make sure you know your stuff.
          2. A portfolio of work is always going to be seen as a positive.
          3. Keep your resume up to date.
          4. Go to your local meetup groups on subjects you like (networking is important)

          Hope that helps!

    • @KyrrrrEnglish
      6•5 months ago

      That’s right where I’m at. I just saw the whole third shift at my factory get laid off while corporate sends us emails about record profits. Some of those technicians had been working here for 14 years and I’m sure they’re wondering why the put in all that time to learn how to work in a highly skilled laboratory setting to just get let go. Not because the company needed to let them go to avoid bankruptcy.

      No, it was to make more profit.