u/HumbleSami

I am a Sr Swe with 18 yoe. Job market is brutal right now. I lost two jobs back-to-back funding and AI slop, and I’m down to one remote gig. I’ve been applying nonstop for the past week, and it hasn’t been easy. Most of what I’m seeing is either hybrid/on-site or paying only $48–50/hour.

I’m starting to think I may have to open myself up to on-site roles. If I land a solid one, I’ll probably resign from my remaining remote gig and end my OE journey.

How’s everyone else holding up in this market? All I am getting is initial calls. Long conversations with HR girls. Yes, we will submit only. I had my first video interview, and the hiring manager told me directly that they are screening candidates and have received hundreds of resumes for this role.

Since few years have been using claude and solving crazy cloud product related problems specifically related to the custom code using AI. Now i feel so much out of touch with DSA and tricky questions around online assessment. Seems like career is over!!

Shocked! Lost J1 and J2 like in 2 weeks.. both FTEs. Budget cuts AI and restructuring excuses. Made a mistake and passed on J4 earlier this year thinking will not be able to manage 4Js. Now i am just left with 1 contract gig with no benefits and insurance.

How is the job market for SWEs. Will start grinding job boards starting tomorrow.

Feeling low and depressed. Have been OE since 2021. Will be my first time when i am down to 1.

I’m 42, married with three young kids, and trying to sanity-check my long-term plan.

Current Assets
Taxable brokerage: ~$1.09M
401(k) + Roth IRAs: ~$618k
Cash: ~$64k
529 plans: ~$255k - 3 kids 7-4-3 (excluded from my personal net worth calculations)
Primary residence with a low fixed-rate mortgage 900K value owe 290K

Debt
Mortgage only (2.5% fixed rate)
No car loans or consumer debt

Investing Plan
Invest approximately $9k/month into a taxable brokerage account. Job at risk will continue to push until i can!
Continue funding Roth IRAs while eligible
Primarily invest in low-cost index funds (VOO and VUG)
Reinvest dividends

Retirement Goal
I’d like to become financially independent around age 50, or at least be in a position where work is optional and I could choose to work lower-stress job if I wanted.
My estimated core living expenses are around $9k/month before discretionary travel and large one-time purchases. Care free will be 12-13K/mo including health insurance and travel. 9K core 2.5K health 2K vacation!

Questions
Based on these numbers, do you think retiring or becoming work-optional around age 50 is realistic?
Would you continue prioritizing taxable brokerage investing over paying down a 2.5% mortgage?
Is there anything about my asset allocation or withdrawal strategy that stands out as a potential weakness?
If you were in my position, what would you focus on over the next 8 years?
Appreciate any constructive feedback or blind spots I may be missing.

I’m 42, married with three young kids, and trying to sanity-check my long-term plan.

Current Assets
Taxable brokerage: ~$1.09M
401(k) + Roth IRAs: ~$618k
Cash: ~$64k
529 plans: ~$255k - 3 kids 7-4-3 (excluded from my personal net worth calculations)
Primary residence with a low fixed-rate mortgage 900K value owe 290K

Debt
Mortgage only (2.5% fixed rate)
No car loans or consumer debt

Investing Plan
Invest approximately $9k/month into a taxable brokerage account. Job at risk will continue to push until i can!
Continue funding Roth IRAs while eligible
Primarily invest in low-cost index funds (VOO and VUG)
Reinvest dividends

Retirement Goal
I’d like to become financially independent around age 50, or at least be in a position where work is optional and I could choose to work lower-stress job if I wanted.
My estimated core living expenses are around $9k/month before discretionary travel and large one-time purchases. Care free will be 12-13K/mo including health insurance and travel. 9K core 2.5K health 2K vacation!

Questions
Based on these numbers, do you think retiring or becoming work-optional around age 50 is realistic?
Would you continue prioritizing taxable brokerage investing over paying down a 2.5% mortgage?
Is there anything about my asset allocation or withdrawal strategy that stands out as a potential weakness?
If you were in my position, what would you focus on over the next 8 years?
Appreciate any constructive feedback or blind spots I may be missing.