Switch from Developer to... What? 6 Options for "Plan B"

Summary

In this video, the speaker addresses the current challenges in the job market for developers, such as layoffs and budget cuts, and suggests having a Plan B. They offer six potential paths to consider, including improving technical skills, transitioning to a business role, freelancing, creating your own product, becoming a content creator, or exploring a second profession. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and considering various options to ensure career stability and growth.

Takeaways

• 😌 In 2024, with layoffs and budget cuts being common, it's crucial for developers to have a plan B in case of job loss.
• 💼 To stabilize your job within your current company, aim to become a better developer by deepening your technical skills or broadening your tech stack.
• 📈 Consider transitioning to a business development role to add value from a business perspective, showing understanding of the company's financial goals.
• 🏢 If layoffs occur, explore freelancing as an option, though the market may be saturated and competitive.
• 🚀 Creating your own software product is a path that requires sales and marketing skills, along with a well-researched idea and potential for financial success.
• 🎥 Becoming a content creator can be lucrative but requires consistent creation, marketing skills, and often a long period of building an audience.
• 🛠️ For developers with a second talent or hobby, job instability might be an opportunity to explore turning that passion into a profession.
• 🔄 It's essential to continuously adapt and add value to your role to remain indispensable in the eyes of managers and stakeholders.
• 💡 Having a plan B is not just about finding another job; it's about considering various paths that align with your skills and interests.
• 🌟 The most straightforward and least risky option is often to enhance your current skills to become more valuable within your existing company.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing plan B options for developers who are struggling with job instability due to layoffs and budget cuts, particularly in the year 2024.

Why is it important to have a plan B according to the video?

Having a plan B is important as it serves as a form of insurance in case of unexpected job loss, such as being fired, laid off, or if the company closes down.

What is the first piece of advice given in the video for developers to stabilize their job position?

The first piece of advice is to become a better developer by getting deeper into your current tech stack, making your code more reliable and effective, or broadening your tech stack by learning something new.

How can developers add value from a business perspective within their current company?

Developers can add value from a business perspective by getting involved in meetings, project management, discussing budgets and plans, and understanding how to cut costs or earn more money for the company.

What is the third option presented for developers who are laid off or considering leaving their job?

The third option is to go freelance, finding clients individually or through platforms like Upwork or job boards for specific projects.

Why might the freelance market be challenging in 2024 according to the video?

The freelance market might be challenging in 2024 due to many layoffs filling the market and dropping prices, making it harder for freelancers to find well-paying work.

What is the fourth option for developers looking for an alternative career path?

The fourth option is to create their own software product or any other product and try to sell it, which requires sales and marketing skills.

What skills are necessary for developers who want to create their own product according to the video?

For developers who want to create their own product, they need to have sales skills, marketing skills, and possibly the ability to do market research to validate the product idea.

What is the fifth option for developers seeking a career change or additional income stream?

The fifth option is to become a content creator, like creating courses or premium content, which requires a talent for creating content consistently and skills in sales and marketing.

What is the final piece of advice for developers considering a career change or alternative income?

The final piece of advice is to consider a second profession or hobby that could be turned into a job or business, especially if it's unrelated to coding.

Why is it suggested to become a more valuable developer within your current company?

Becoming a more valuable developer within your current company is suggested because it is the most straightforward path and least out of the comfort zone, allowing developers to make an impact and be more valuable to their stakeholders and managers.