november

Every Sunday when I do my weekly backup routine

If I'm being real, I just want a reason to shoot and go to the range 😂 Although you're right on some points, having a gun doesn't necessarily make you feel safer, its a liability if anything.

Of course, I didn't think to take a class; was relying on the YouTube route, but I think it's a better investment to check one out.
Good idea on throwing ear plugs under the ear muffs, I'm gonna do my research on that combo.
Also, Thanks for the note on getting an oversized range bag too. Most likely going to stock up later down the line.

I used PowerDeleteSuite when I cleaned my Reddit account out. It's a Javascript Applet that runs in your browser. It supports filters too so you can choose which subreddits you don't want it to touch.

Cybersecurity is actually a great suggestion! I've been applying to some roles but I haven't thought too much about it. I've been thinking of participating in CTF events before but just haven't cause of lack of drive/knowledge. It's something I'll consider now though

Thank you for your insightful response. I was initially considering grad school in something that is lateral to my degree in Computer engineering and CS minor, like data science or similar. I actually haven't even considered applying to grants so that is a great suggestion. I'll do some research on what kind of programs I can apply to and see if there are any grants that are applicable to me.

As for location, I am around NYC. While I have been applying mostly in this area, I'm also applying all over the country as well, but still strongly prefer to work in or around a city. While I do get that certain cities have their own share of different industries and hubs, I didn't realize that the market for jobs is also dependent on area but it all makes sense when you put it together...

I failed to mention that I did actually land one offer at a tiny defense company in a rural part of the east coast though I declined it as I wasn't comfortable working in that industry and I wasn't willing to move out of a city area.
While I ultimately do not regret declining the offer, I reflected on the idea that I probably don't have a choice on which industry I work in as a first job; the main goal is to gain experience.
I haven't aspired to work in a government position too much because of my condition mentioned above, but I guess I need to sacrifice my idea of an ideal job and rough it out for maybe a year in that type of industry.

Per your last point, reaching out has been very effective in me finding opportunities, so that's a great suggestion. I've been using Linkedin to connect with alumni to seek mentorship and advice, and I've even gotten referrals to some target companies through them and their network. I've also been reaching out to friends who are working and while these all translate into some interviews, there still hasn't been any cigar.

I've been feeling a lack of drive after having bombed some technical interviews and still not generating any experience nor cash and so that's why I was thinking about pivoting in the first place. Even with taking account of the current market situation, it's still crushing to see others land something and all my friends around me working while I'm still at home. /rant

Regardless, I'm grateful for your insight. I'll look further into grad school while applying, and open up my breadth in terms of industries I should be applying to.

I think I'll spend my day tomorrow at my library reading a career book like this. Thank you for the recommendation.

That's a fair point of saturation in IT, I feel like it might be harder to break into because of that. I'll look into database-oriented roles too.

Thank you for your suggestion of looking into Data Science. I have some machine learning experience from uni classes, I can maybe expand my domain by looking at some certs.

Yeah seems I've only ever encountered some of the bad firms in that case.
I'm gonna take a look at your recommendation, thanks!

Any tips on finding recruiters?
Should I just be cold-connecting with them on LinkedIn, or is there a better way to reach out?

I use WireGuard to access my home services and for net-forwarding when I'm outside.
To set it up, I followed this simple guide.