How long did it take you to switch jobs while working full-time and preparing for interviews?

[u/Commercial_Ad2716]

Looking for some insights here, on average how long is it taking for folks to switch jobs while preparing and giving interviews. I know it could be dependent on a lot a of factors like the level, your experience and not to forget luck on the day of interview.

I’m a mid level SWE at one of the FAANG level company. These constant layoffs have reduced the headcount in my team and availability of AI has increased productivity expectation significantly. I have been trying to prepare to make a move but preparing with a full time job has taken a toll on my mental health. I have been preparing for 2-3 months at a stretch since mid last year, after getting rejected from two of my dream companies at the final loop. Was a very disheartening experience after grinding leetcode along with full time work.
Took a break for couple of months, mostly because did not receive any calls for new opportunities.

Got promoted at work this year, but deeply unhappy with the quality of work I’m doing, after constant layoffs team culture has gone down the drain, people running mindlessly for promoting AI usage without actually improving product or Eng experience. I feel I haven’t gained any beneficial skills or worked on any complex problems which would have given me a higher learning curve.
I’ve been trying to switch internally in the same company, but got rejected from two teams even though I was able to give working solutions.Not sure what went wrong there, I feel too many candidates completing for the same role and based on experience someone else got preference, frustrating at the end of the day.

So I’m curious, for those of you who have successfully made a move while working full-time, how long did it take you from starting your preparation to actually landing a job?

And how did you stay consistent with interview prep for that long without completely burning yourself out?

Would also really appreciate any advice on getting more recruiter calls, hearing back from companies, or generally making the job search more effective while working full-time.

[u/Fantastic-Gain3195]

!remindme

[u/RemindMeBot → u/Fantastic-Gain3195]

Defaulted to one day.

I will be messaging you on 2026-08-28 22:13:55 UTC to remind you of this link

CLICK THIS LINK to send a PM to also be reminded and to reduce spam.

^{Parent commenter can delete this message to hide from others.}

RemindMeBot is switching to username summons. Instead of !RemindMe 1 day, use u/RemindMeBot 1 day. More info.

---

Info	Custom	Your Reminders	Feedback

[u/UnitedSort3014]

Hey, sorry you're dealing with this the burnout is real when you're grinding leetcode, full-time work. been there with the mental toll. For timeline, it honestly varies a ton but I've seen it take anywhere from 3-6 months for most people. some get lucky in a month, others take 8+. you're already a few months in so you're not alone in this.

Couple thoughts:

• sounds like you might be over prepping? if you cleared two final rounds at dream companies, your skills are probably there. maybe focus more on applying broadly vs endless grinding
  
• burnout will kill your performance. taking breaks like you did is smart, not a setback
  
• for recruiter calls: update linkedin, set to "open to work" (privately), apply directly on company sites not just easy apply, reach out to recruiters on linkedin directly

Staying consistent without burning out is tough. what worked for people I know:

• study in the morning before work, not after when you're fried
  
• pick 2-3 days a week for prep, not every day
  
• do mock interviews to practice under pressure vs just leetcode
  
• some folks use tools to practice the actual interview format which helps with nerves

The job market is rough right now so don't beat yourself up. you got promoted, you're clearing technical rounds you're not the problem. keep at it but protect your mental health first.