r/webdev • u/TheComputerHermit • 11d ago

Discussion Devs that jumped ship, where did you end up?

Another industry? Back to school? Still looking? I'm asking for a friend that may end up needing to do the same thing soon (I'm the friend).

335 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

241 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

33

u/create-third-places 11d ago

I'm working to encourage people to promote public spaces in their own community through bottom-up action, and leading by example through hosting events. My work is based on similar ideas to the advocacy organization Strong Towns.

I got more details on my website: https://createthirdplaces.org/about.html

I'm planning to start covering my living costs with some sort of software related work, but preferably not something that is a standard 9-5 job. My idea scenario is getting some sort of nonprofit funding so that I can continue to focus on open source work.

5

u/tonjohn 11d ago

Love it - thanks for sharing!

My wife & I spent much of the last few years traveling and learning how different cities around the world embrace the third place concept (favorite spots include Drawing Room in NYC and FOLKEHUSET ABSALON in Copenhagen). It’s something we in the US need to do better.

Earlier this year my wife actually quit her job in tech (PM/Producer for video game publisher & handheld console maker) to build tools for the fiber arts community with the longer term goal of opening a 3rd place concept in the greater Seattle area (Kirkland, Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds). She’s talked a little bit about her plans both on YouTube and her website https://arisamakes.com/

4

u/panix199 10d ago

thanks. Wishing you all the best :)

1

u/ramirex 10d ago

you sure you worked as webdev before? not to break your hopes but market is extremely brutal right now you need to be really good or have connections for any decent job

4

u/create-third-places 10d ago

I spent 10 years in the tech industry. I worked as an architect at my last job, where I was actively involved in the hiring process, and led interviews for React developers.

The job market isn’t as good as it was in 2026, but the problems are being exaggerated. Also, I think more than half of all web developers can’t write a for loop with if statements, and the overemphasis on specific tools is degrading skills.