Ask HN: As a hobbyist developer, what are the odds of getting hired as a pro?

  • If that's what you want to do for a living, apply for PHP roles. 20k+ starts project, that's a very good story to share during an interview. If you know how to communicate, which I believe as a Senior PM you are, then you can look into leading a project, as long you are clear and frank about what your limitations are you are fine! Good luck ;)

  • > I'm not an expert in anything, but I know a bit of everything that is required to ship something that works

    The landscape is always changing, potential employers change their requirements, so you need to know $framework or $language of the month. My advice is be agile and adapt. Don't get set in your ways with a strategy that only works for you.

  • Excellent. Today you might have to work a little (ok a lot) harder to get a job than a year ago but a developer who has a portfolio has a chance, I think the project management experience is worth something too, particularly in a startup. You might take a pay cut though.

  • The only reason I can see you not being taken seriously is that you might seem too expensive or that "stepping down" into more of an individual-contributor role may be seen as incomprehensible and scare people away.

  • Depends on what salary you are looking for. If you want the coveted FANG jobs, as I understand it, you'll have to grind leetcode. There's a bit of a downturn right now, so don't let that dampen your efforts.

  • quickest way to hate your hobby, if you're not careful what company you fall into