Where to go after 3 years at a low-tier entry level position? /u/Classic-Employer5230 CSCQ protests reddit

Hello,

I was very fortunate to have been able to start my career in CS 3 years ago, seemingly right before things became REALLY difficult for people who didn’t have their foot in the door just yet. I am very grateful for my current position (a 100% remote coding position at one of the infamous major Indian contracting firms, Infosys). I don’t mind my position, my team are nice people, work is steady, I am not mistreated, and it’s certainly better than being unemployed or working retail.

However, like I said, I have been at this company in the same position for 3 years, my pay is only marginally better than working full time at a minimum wage retail position (and the raises are either not reliable or do not keep up with inflation), and worst of all, I feel like my skills are actually worsening the longer I stay here, rather than improving (I am constantly asking for work, but I get maybe 1 or 2 projects a year, and these are incredibly simple projects that honestly an undergrad could do).

This year I have been dedicated to trying to keep up my skills with hackerrank and focusing on some certifications, but I am curious to see what some suggestions people would have to make for the next step in my career? I don’t think I’m quite capable enough to earn a position at a FAANG or some other prestigious tech company, and there aren’t many tech opportunities in my city (a downside to working remote I’ve found, as I feel most companies want to see an address in their city when being applied for). I would be willing to switch to an in person position as well as relocate, but I’m just not sure what a good move would be for someone in my position to move up a little.

Hello,

I was very fortunate to have been able to start my career in CS 3 years ago, seemingly right before things became REALLY difficult for people who didn’t have their foot in the door just yet. I am very grateful for my current position (a 100% remote coding position at one of the infamous major Indian contracting firms, Infosys). I don’t mind my position, my team are nice people, work is steady, I am not mistreated, and it’s certainly better than being unemployed or working retail.

However, like I said, I have been at this company in the same position for 3 years, my pay is only marginally better than working full time at a minimum wage retail position (and the raises are either not reliable or do not keep up with inflation), and worst of all, I feel like my skills are actually worsening the longer I stay here, rather than improving (I am constantly asking for work, but I get maybe 1 or 2 projects a year, and these are incredibly simple projects that honestly an undergrad could do).

This year I have been dedicated to trying to keep up my skills with hackerrank and focusing on some certifications, but I am curious to see what some suggestions people would have to make for the next step in my career? I don’t think I’m quite capable enough to earn a position at a FAANG or some other prestigious tech company, and there aren’t many tech opportunities in my city (a downside to working remote I’ve found, as I feel most companies want to see an address in their city when being applied for). I would be willing to switch to an in person position as well as relocate, but I’m just not sure what a good move would be for someone in my position to move up a little.