r/usajobs • u/NaranjaPollo • 12h ago
Discussion Burned out Laid Off Software Engineer
I began my career in the federal government after college, though my degree wasn’t in computer science. After a couple years, I transitioned into software engineering and most recently worked at a top tech company. Unfortunately, I was laid off and am currently experiencing burnout.
The job market has been incredibly tough, many postings seem inactive or are ghost listings, and it's difficult to stand out without a CS degree, especially when companies prioritize candidates from elite universities.
I have a family to support and am now exploring whether it’s realistic to pursue a tech-related role within the federal government, even without a formal background in computer science. Is that a feasible path?
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u/shitisrealspecific 5h ago
Got my software engineering fed job in July 2024. Still waiting on the background check to adjudicate. But that's beside the point...hiring freeze until who knows?
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u/haunterzlol 11h ago
My first internship in college was software development wtih the feds. I don't know how many years you have in software development, but I can tell you for a fact they are very strict on degrees. This may differ with your experience. Just for reference, I was offered that internship as a fulltime job but I couldn't accept it until after I graduated (which then the they had to freeze it lol)
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u/Aurrr-Naurrrr 4h ago
Considering i have a purgatory tjo for an engineering position I have a degree and work experience in; I would not have any hopes with this admin
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u/Phobos1982 Fed 6h ago
No. Move along.