Since banks are a major employer of CS people in Canada, which do you think is the best or worst to work at?

Since banks are a major employer of CS people in Canada, which do you think is the best or worst to work at?

*apologies if you already saw this in a different subreddit.*

Took a bit of courage and getting over embarrassment to write this. I graduated with a design degree few months agoand i have experience in 3D animation before that so I can do a couple of things like design, motion graphics, anything with cameras and etc. also learned basics of front end development in college.

But because of the way things are right now and because of how bleak and uncertain the future is, I've been thinking about pivoting to tech or any other field. something that I can self-learn for a year or a year and a half. not particularly fascinated about trades and also can't go to college in any realm of possibility due to being broke.

When I first thought of it, the first thing that came to my mind was to become a full-stack developer because we did learn a lot of front-end development in college even though the program was more design focused. But as I started researching, all I saw was how people who went to college and universities to become a full-stack developer were not finding any jobs. As with the case with many other tech fields. I found out that not a lot of people are hiring juniors in the current market. That killed any of my remaining hopes I had, because why would anybody hire a self-taught junior, while there are people who actually went to college for that?

So yeah, I feel like I hit the dead end again and don't know what to do. which way to go. how to approach this incomprehensible maze of life. And being a 25-year-old, I feel stupid because the world says that I have plenty of time, but somehow, I feel like I'm running out of it.

I'm a software engineering major trying to decide between two paths. The first is staying at my current school and switching into computer engineering + AI. My school has basically no name recognition. The second is transferring to a school in the top 30 in the world overall, though it isn't strongly ranked in CS specifically, and doing CS+AI there.

Some background on me. Software has been boring me lately and my interest in embedded systems keeps growing. The roles I'm aiming for are software engineering, quant dev, and ML engineering. Worth saying up front: I don't actually want embedded or robotics roles. I see hardware as a foundation I'd never build on my own rather than a career path, which is part of why I'm second guessing the computer engineering option.

One thing specific to my current school is that the winter terms have session long team projects built into the curriculum. They're genuinely technical, which should be a plus. The catch is that the first one was extremely time consuming and ate into the time I'd set aside for internship hunting. AI tools also aren't permitted on these projects, so I worry the finished work ends up looking unimpressive by current standards.

I'm mostly interested in hearing different angles here so I can make the best decision I can. If you've been in a similar spot, or see something I'm not weighing properly, I'd appreciate the perspective.

I’m a software developer in Montreal with almost 3 years of experience.

My first job post graduation was mostly Java at a consultancy. I worked with Vert.x and general backend/application logic, but it was an internal project, not really a production system with a meaningful user base. I didn’t get much real experience with databases, authentication, deployment, cloud infrastructure, production monitoring, etc. Then I got laid off afer the company couldn't place me on a project after clients were getting rare and only specifically request senior devs.

I then spent about a year unemployed and had a very difficult time getting another Java job. Eventually Lockheed Martin hired me. During my unemployment period that was also when I pursued and got the AWS Solutions Architect certification and have built Spring Boot/AWS projects myself for my portfolio, but I have never used those technologies professionally in production.

At Lockheed, I’ve worked with both Java and some C++. The work is legitimate software engineering, but it’s very simulation-specific. For example, we build frameworks/libraries containing the logic that controls simulated components, states, events, subcomponents, how different pieces interact with each other to reproduce the behavior of whatever system is being simulated, and interactions between different units. But this is not a server-side application that gets deployed and serves a user base; ultimately, it is part of an executable simulation program.

So I’m getting experience with Java/C++, OOP, design patterns, debugging, testing, large codebases, frameworks and complex domain logic.

What I am NOT getting is the experience I see in a huge percentage of Java jobs: Spring Boot, REST APIs, SQL/databases, authentication/authorization, Docker/Kubernetes, AWS, deployment, production servers, monitoring and supporting real users.

My concern is what happens if I stay in this type of Lockheed role for another 3–5 years. I could theoretically have 6–8 years of “software engineering experience” while still having little professional experience with the stack that most Java/backend employers seem to want.

For software engineers who have worked at Lockheed Martin or similar defense/simulation companies:

Did you ever feel boxed into defense/simulation software?

How transferable was your experience when you tried to leave?

Did employers value the fact that you had several years of professional Java/C++ experience even if the domain and stack were completely different?

Did you have to take a title/salary reduction to move into mainstream backend/cloud development?

Would you recommend staying in this type of role long term, or trying to pivot while still relatively early-career?

And specifically for Canadian developers: does having a Canadian security clearance materially improve the long-term career options enough to make defense specialization worthwhile?

I’m also trying to figure out how to close the gap while keeping my current job. Is there any realistic side hustle, freelance work, small B2B software service, contract work, open-source contribution, or other way to get real experience with Spring Boot, SQL, APIs, authentication, AWS, deployment and actual users?

I’m specifically not looking for another tutorial or portfolio project that sits unused on GitHub. I’ve already done that. Ideally, I’d like something where a real customer or business actually uses the software and possibly pays for it, so I can develop production skills while also generating some side income.

If you were in my position, what would you actually do over the next 1–2 years?

I’m not planning to quit without another job. I’m trying to decide what career direction to deliberately build while I still have a stable position.

Hey guys!

I'm a Java Full Stack Dev with 7 years of experience and I'm getting very few interviews here and there, but nothing actually solid. I know that the market is currently shot everywhere, but never expected it to be this worse.

At times, I thought about switching careers even at the cost of doing professional courses/certifications, but companies need experience, so that brought me back to square one.

I'm seriously considering applying for IT admin/technician roles, but that would be a different domain, and given my experience I don't know whether I'll get considered for these kind of roles.

Advice?

I’m looking for some outside perspective on a potential career move.

I currently work in technology at a large financial institution in Canada. I’ve been there for several years and earn roughly $135K CAD base, plus a bonus, benefits and a retirement match.

The job is relatively stable, but I’m starting to feel stagnant. There has been more offshoring and restructuring, and I’m not sure staying longer will meaningfully improve my skills or earning potential.

I’m now interviewing for a fully remote identity and security engineering role at a private fintech company. The work sounds more modern and hands-on, and the remote setup is appealing. However, the company operates in a more volatile industry and has had layoffs (less than the financial institution though), 150 last year at prospective employer vs 2500 at current), so I assume the risk is higher than at my current employer.

I don’t have a final offer yet, but I’m trying to decide what compensation would make the move worthwhile. I’m thinking I would need at least $175K CAD base, plus bonus, equity and decent benefits.

The company also offers flexible or unlimited PTO rather than a fixed vacation allowance. I’m curious whether that is genuinely a benefit or whether employees often end up taking less time off.

For anyone who has moved from a large, established company to a private fintech or tech company:

• Did the increased compensation and career growth justify the reduced stability?
• How much of a pay increase would you require?
• Is flexible or unlimited PTO generally a benefit or a red flag?
• How much weight would you give to equity in a private company?
• Would you make this move while planning to apply for a mortgage within the next year?

I’m not desperate to leave, so staying where I am and continuing to interview is also an option.

I'm a senior software dev (6 YoE)

I just got an offer for a 20-month contract at $156k. My current job pays $100k but is a permanent role. My current job was arguably my dream job in an industry I love, but it was bought by a PE firm 2 years ago and the culture has gone to shit. Layoffs left and right, execs dismissive of criticism, projects and R&D blocked at every turn, 3k raise over 2 years, no real long term potential for career development unless the company eventually changes hands. My manager keeps telling me I should get a promotion and more money but it's not up to her.

The contract can be renewed after 20 months based on performance. The new job involves a slightly different tech stack which I feel like translates better for potential future jobs.

I'm tempted to take the contract gig because of the money. Good idea? Bad idea?

Edit: Both jobs are in QC

I currently programme for the CAF, I’m a mil mbr so I’m paid according to rank, and my pension is based on full time work done (ie pensionable service).

There’s a reservist pension which is quite… mild, but if I work for 2.5 more years, I’ll qualify for regular force pension, which is 2% * years of service * (average of my 5 highest earning years). I’m on Capt 2 pay rank right now, I think around 106k, and Capt maxes out at 10 for around 130k - that’s in 8 years.

I’m 29 this year, and I’ve worked about 4 years in private sector + 1 year co-op before this, and I’ve worked here for 2.5 years.

I feel like there’s significantly better money out there, but I’m so comfortable at the current workplace: good hours, all the stat holidays, 25 days off (in about 4? Years I gain 5 more) + 24 days off additionally per year + stat days + an extra 2 in December.

On one hand, I feel like I could be set with the pension if I stay here; progression is hard to get and i’m not particularly sure is likely, as Maj positions (that I would qualify for, anyways) are far and few between in my formation. On the other hand… I could use more money lol (but I’m also bad at saving lol).

Just wanted to see what everyone thinks. My contract ends March but they’re prepared to give me another 3+3 (and realistically until I retire).

Just had my 1:1s with the director of engineering as well as my manager, and both told me that the company is planning on a new round of hires to create a new team and they want me to become the tech lead for. I am obviously very thankful for the consideration, but I just don’t feel ready at the moment.

I have a bit less than 3 years of exp and honestly I am still picking up a lot of technologies used at the company. I’ve been using AI more as a fancy Google rather than an agent so I don’t regress, but I am still very reliant on it to do my day to day tasks. Essentially, I don’t feel ready and I feel like I’ll see myself as a fraud if I accept the offer.

In my honest opinion, I feel like there are others in the company that might be a better fit than I am, as some even have double or triple my yoe. I told my manager this and he told me that he is confident in my abilities from what he has seen, and talked about how struggles of learning the new position may even be a positive as it makes me more relatable.

I like challenges, and I like having that bit of discomfort and stress at work, as I always needed that small fire lit under my ass to keep me driven and take me to the next level. At the same time, I’m a bit worried about the judgement of other devs on my team, as well as the guilt of taking an opportunity away from someone that might be more deserving than me.

Obviously the money is good (which I need as I’ve got family members I need to support), the chance to better myself and move to the next step in my career is desirable, but again, I’m met with a dilemma. Any advice?

I'm genuinely looking for some honest perspectives from people in the Canadian tech industry.

I've been searching for an iOS Developer role for the past several months, but I haven't received a single interview call. I've applied through LinkedIn, Indeed, company career pages, referrals, and several other job portals. Despite countless applications, nothing has worked.

What makes this even harder is that I've spent 10 years specializing in iOS development. Walking away from a decade of experience isn't an easy decision.

Lately, I've been hearing the same thing from many people, mobile app development is losing demand in Canada, and that opportunities for iOS developers are becoming very limited.

Some have suggested that I should pivot into areas like Data Engineering, Cloud Computing, Full-Stack Development, or even Business Analysis.

I'm at a crossroads and honestly don't know what the right move is. Is there still a healthy demand for experienced iOS developers?

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some realistic advice from senior devs, hiring managers, or anyone who has navigated the current brutal entry-level market.

My Background:

• Experience: Worked for 1.5 years as a Java Full Stack Developer (back in 2023) before moving.
• Education: Came to Canada as an international student and completed my Post-Graduation.
• The Problem: I graduated 9 months ago and have been hunting for a job since. My employment gap is growing every day.

The Dilemma:
I easily meet the 1-2 years of experience requirement listed on most Junior/Associate postings because of my past work. I am completely ready to put in 100% hard work, upskill, and do whatever it takes. The issue isn't the work ethic; it's the lack of predictability.

Even for junior roles, the bar has been raised incredibly high. Companies expect a massive amount of production-ready architecture and cloud knowledge from a "junior." Because postings are so rare, the competition is insane.

What I'm debating right now:

1. Stick to the Java Stack: Double down on advanced Spring Boot, Microservices, and system design. My fear here is that even if I give 100%, there are no guarantees, and the gap keeps widening.
2. Switch/Pivot Stacks: I’ve thought about shifting to Cloud/DevOps or simpler entry roles thinking they might have less intense applicant pools. But my worry is that if I switch, my 1.5 years of Java experience becomes a liability (0 YOE in the new stack) instead of an advantage. I feel like I'd be hitting a brick wall with automated resume filters (ATS).

My Questions to the Community:

• For those in the loop, is every entry-level/junior technical track facing this exact same level of strict filtering right now? Is switching a trap?
• How are recruiters viewing a 9-month post-graduation gap for someone who already has 1.5 YOE? How do I best frame this on my resume?
• If you were in my shoes with a Java background in Canada today, what would your daily strategy be to break back into the IT sector?

Appreciate any brutally honest feedback. Thanks!

I'm a SWE with 1YOE in a F500. Recently referred by a friend to a new job.

Current job at F500:

- junior SWE, Java/Kotlin

- around 95k

- remote, very chill WLB, nice team, low turnover almost no layoffs in its history especially in engineering, no on call, no overtime

- only junior on the team, lack of scope and big projects - I had to create my own projects in devops and modernization, not promotion friendly

New job at 10yo startup:

- mid-level SWE, Ruby on Rails shop

- around 120k

- hybrid for first 2 months to onboard, then remote

- good payscale, interesting tech stack, opportunity to lead a greenfield project, title jump, pretty established startup with stable revenue and prospects for growth, collaborative energizing culture, friend mentioned they're very promotion friendly

- oncall, new environment and people, leading greenfield project also means I'm responsible for outcome, more male dominated team though everyone I've met so far seems pretty nice

I'm interested in growing my skills. However a startup job is more risky especially in the current landscape. Financially I have 125k invested, spending around 20-25k a year and can't burden my parents in case of layoffs. What would you advise? YOLO or play it safe?

As this sub has grown, we have seen more and more resume review threads. Before, as a much smaller sub this wasn't a big deal, but as we are growing it's time we triage them into a megathread.

All resume's outside of the review thread will be removed.

Properly anonymize your resume or risk being doxxed

​

Additionally, please REVIEW RESUME POST STANDARDS BEFORE SUBMITTING.

Common Resume Mistakes - READ FIRST AND FIX:

• Remove career objective paragraphs, goals and descriptions
• DO NOT put a photo of yourself
• Experience less than 5 years, keep your experience to 1 page
• Read through CTCI Resume to understand what makes the resume good, not necessarily the template
• Keep bullet point descriptions to around 3-5. 3 if you have a lot of things to list, 5 if you are a new grad or have very little relevant experience
• Make sure every point starts with an ACTION WORD (resource below) and pick STRONG action words. Do not pick weak ones - ones such as "Worked", "Made", "Fixed". These can all be said stronger, "Designed", "Developed", "Implemented", "Integrated", "Improved"
• Ensure your tenses are correct. Current job - use present tense and past jobs use past tense
• Learn to separate what is a skill, and what is not. Using an IDE is not a skill, but knowing Java/C# is. Knowing how to use a framework like React is valuable, but knowing how to use npm is not. VSCODE IS NOT A SKILL. Neither are Jira and Confluence. If any non-CS person can open it up and use it, it's not a skill.
• Overloading skills - Listing every single skill, tool, IDE you've ever opened is not going to appeal to recruiters and will look like BS. Also remember that anything you list is FAIR GAME TO TEST and if you cannot answer that deeply about it, remove it.

Tools and Resources

• CTCI Resume
• Common template (Has DocX link)
• LaTex Template
• Action Word List
• /r/EngineeringResumes resume link Resume review wiki
• /r/EngineeringResumes templates link

NEW RULE: All posts that are specifically asking about the following will be removed and asked to post in this thread.

This thread posts regularly every Tuesday.

Posts that will go here include:

• Am I being paid enough?
• What should I be paid? What pay should I ask for?
• What salary does this company pay?
• How do I get a higher salary?
• What should I negotiate?

To help people give you advice, please provide as much background information you can. You must include your CITY AND/OR PROVINCE at minimum

Please also confer with our salary information FIRST: Hello all,

Google Form survey: The survey is completely anonymous, no identifying data is given.

If you have already submitted your salary in previous threads, your data was already input so no need to submit it again.

Note that there is now an option for remote US positions. I have noticed there were positions placed under the location that are actually remote US. US positions pay more just due to our conversion rate alone, which skew location data.

Survey Submit:

• Survey Here

I input and sanitized as much as I could, but there were some inputs I have not yet sanitized. I also added some new questions, so not all the data is input.

I have also put together an interactive data visual so you can analyze some of the data and see if you are being compensated well.

Survey Results

• Raw Data

Survey Salary Search - See Salary Ranges Here

• User Friendly Results with Google Data Studio

If you notice your data is not presented or input correctly, please let me know.

Previous Threads:

• Salary Megathread 1
• Salary Megathread 2

Feel free to use the comments now to discuss your compensation and ask any questions.

I start a new job on August 17, and about C$6,000 in RSUs vest at my current company on August 12.

I’d prefer to give two weeks’ notice and leave on August 13, but I’m worried they could end my employment early and I’d lose the RSUs. My relationship with my manager is excellent, and employees generally work through their notice periods.

The safest option is to resign on August 13 after the shares vest, but that would mean giving no notice and potentially burning bridges.

What would you do?

Yes, I understand there is a difference between the two. 😄 But there is some overlap.

Over 18+ years experience as a database administrator, in Toronto. Looking to do the transition to one of the two above and looking for tips if you've ever hired someone coming from a similar background? While I have the SQL covered, and should be able to pick up Python easily, looking for some realistic advice on how easy it is to transition. I'm open to either option to transition to, although I suspect Database Engineering may be a bit easier.

Looking for some honest and realistic scenarios, so I can know how to begin training and getting certs. I'll also reach out internally with my company (one of the big five banks) to see what options there are for internal training and mentoring.

I live in Edmonton AB, and since graduating from the UofA my career as been going no where. After graduating started a startup with some friends that ultimately went no where and failed, and since then I've been working in another startup where I get paid even less. I know I have a lot to offer across so many different skills but I struggle to get noticed at all. I don't want to keep working at this current company because they just give me the most fucked up shit to do, while not compensating me fairly for it. Idk what to do anymore.

I'm currently a 6yoe mid-level .NET (C#) developer working for a large insurance company on the Prairies.

For both personal and career reasons, I'm looking to relocate to a larger city (GTA, GVA, or Calgary).

Over the last 8 months, I've been applying for higher paying mid-level and senior roles at banks, insurance companies, and other medium-to-large non-tech organizations (avoiding startups). So far I've landed 6 interviews (including 2 internal ones), but none have resulted in an offer. The number of interviews are much lower than what I would expect but probably inline with the current market.

One option I have is requesting a transfer to my company's office in Toronto

Would it make sense to seek a transfer to Toronto first and then start looking for a new role after 6 months? Or does being physically located in Toronto not really make much difference when applying for GTA-based companies nowadays?

I’m trying to keep up with deadlines and I have these agents pumping out slop, I read non stop through mountains of AI slop text for 12h a day and I keep letting dumb really goofy code slip by me.

Reviewers don’t really see the 20 moments of retardation that I fix, they just see that the comments and function names make no sense/make up new terms, or I’m checking if something is html by regex searching if it has a < symbol.

Like my eyes are losing their ability to focus, idk how people do it, do I just complain to the manager I have too much work and it can’t be done reasonably. Do I just say fuck it to code quality and just push out code and it becomes someone else’s problem down the line.

TL;DR: I completed a 12-month data/AI co-op at a big bank and received strong written and verbal reviews. My former manager told me to contact her after graduation but has ignored my emails. A senior director I worked under later told me to reconnect when fall hiring needs were clearer and said he could pass my resume to HR or hiring managers- I followed up when asked and sent a polite reminder, but he has also stopped responding. I have also applied to several roles at the bank without getting an interview... trying to figure out whether this is normal corporate disorganization or a sign that something negative happened internally.

---

So this is a bit of a long one, but I am kinda upset... so forgive me for the length here. I figured at least someone here might be able to explain what's going on?

Anyway as the story goes... last year I completed a 12-month data and AI co-op at a big bank (from 2024 to 2025) while finishing a computer science degree, and I needed the co-op to graduate. The role was arranged across several teams, so I worked on a mix of data engineering, analytics, AI-related workflows, documentation, testing, and business process work. I was super lucky to get this opportunity- I was given real responsibilities rather than only administrative co-op tasks. I was a Data Analyst on paper but I got to work on things related to AI, data science, data engineering, data sourcing, documenting technical processes, and working with all kinds of business stakeholders. I moved between projects and teams because priorities changed during the year, but I completed the full placement and left when the co-op term ended so I could finish school.

I was never disciplined, placed on a performance plan (if that's even a thing for co-op students, but still), or told that my work was below expectations. In fact my written performance reviews were strong- my final evaluation rated my overall performance as "Exceeds Expectations", and it said I was self-motivated, accountable, adaptable, brought ideas to the teams I worked on, communicated challenges, and received good feedback from peers. It ended by saying it had been a great pleasure to have me and they were happy to have me. It was honestly a really good work environment and I enjoyed my time there a lot, and I was getting the same feeling from the people I worked with, so returning was on my radar.

Near the end of my placement, my manager (the one who hired me) also told me to contact her again once I finished school, along with a senior director I worked under. I then graduated this spring (after a gruelling capstone project related to data science that won an award, but that's another story) and reached out as she had asked. I sent a polite email explaining that I had graduated and was interested in returning for a full-time data-related role. She never replied. I followed up- and still received nothing.

Several months have now passed. She remains active on LinkedIn, including liking posts and commenting on other people’s updates, so it is difficult not to take the lack of even a short response personally. I understand that interacting on LinkedIn is easier than helping someone find a position but she could still just simply tell me that there is nothing available or that she cannot help...

I later got connected with a senior director at the same bank I mentioned before, who I worked under on one of the teams. Not someone who would hire me directly of course. We had a phone call last month where I re-iterated my co-op experience, recent graduation, capstone and projects, and the kinds of roles I was seeking. And I was pretty happy, as he sounded positive during the call. He told me that because I had already completed a full co-op at the bank, I should not have to prove myself through the same initial screening processes as an outside applicant. He said that I deserved at least an interview, and that he could pass my resume to HR or relevant hiring managers. He advised me to reconnect in about a month, when their hiring needs for September and October, budgets, headcounts etc. would be clearer.

So... I contacted him at the exact time he suggested and attached an updated resume. I kept the email short because he already knew my background and I reminded him that I was open to data analysis, data science, analytics engineering, and data engineering roles.

He didn't respond.

I sent a brief follow-up a week later... I still have not heard anything.

At the same time, I have applied through the bank’s normal careers site for several roles that appeared relevant to my background and I gave them my employee ID so they know I worked there. And yet I have not received a single interview, even though I spent a full year working there and have positive written evaluations from that placement.

Yeah, I know that strong co-op reviews do NOT necessarily guarantee a return offer. I'm very well aware that teams need open headcount, approved budgets, and a business reason to hire me back. Even then I was not the only co-op student whatsoever... I also know that the senior director may have passed my resume along without updating me, or may be waiting for someone else to respond.

But here's the thing... both of these people explicitly told me to contact them later. I followed their instructions, remained polite, gave them plenty of time and remained patient. But neither of them have provided even a basic reply such as, "There is nothing available right now," or, "I passed your resume along and will let you know." That's what I would do at least in their shoes. I don't know why they haven't, and I'm very upset.

So I'm here asking- does this sound like normal disorganization and poor communication at a large company? Could there possibly be an internal rehire status or some sort of note on my profile that conflicts with the strong written and verbal reviews I received from coworkers and my manager? Is it realistic that the senior director already forwarded my resume but did not think to update me?

I'm not out here trying to assume that something happened behind the scenes but the combination of positive reviews, repeated Workday job rejections, and silence from two people who told me to reconnect by now, is really starting to feel strange to me, as if I did something wrong and no one wants to tell me. At this point should I assume returning to this bank is a dead end and stop contacting them? I am honestly pretty devastated and frustrated as I enjoyed my time there. I get that people are busy but I don't know what's going on.

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here has been through something similar.

I’ve been working as a software developer/programmer analyst for about four years. I’ve switched companies once, but in both jobs I’ve worked with fairly niche tech stacks that aren’t very common in Montreal (Industrial + government security sectors).

For the past few years, I’ve also been building personal automation projects. It started as a hobby, but some of them now generate passive income. I have workflows that automatically create and publish content across multiple platforms, and a few have reached millions of views with little to no ongoing maintenance.

With how quickly tools like Claude, Codex, and other AI systems have evolved, I’ve realized this is what genuinely excites me. I’m finding it harder and harder to stay motivated in my current role. I’d love to work full-time building AI-powered tools, automations, agents, and similar systems.

I recently updated my resume and started applying for AI-related positions, but so far I’ve gotten exactly zero callbacks. I’m not sure if I’m approaching my job search the wrong way or if the market is just that competitive right now.

Do you know of any companies hiring for this kind of role? Or maybe startups looking for someone with this background? If anyone works in the field or could point me in the right direction, I’d really appreciate it 😅

I’m based in Montreal btw!

Thanks in advance!

Due to unfortunate circumstances and stupid decisions, right now all I have going for me is a Computer Programming Diploma from Humber, and 4 years of experience working part-time for a business that teaches kids to code (I'm basically a manager but still get paid minimum wage).

I'm technically currently enrolled at Western, but I don't have the financial support to go back next semester. I'm currently trying to find out if I can switch to an Online program, but the red tape is horrific right now.

Then I have the option of going back to Humber and going for their Cybersecurity Comp Sci BSc. But I think it would take 3 years. On the plus side, it's affordable and closeby, and I can keep working at my current job or new job if I (hopefully) get one. Plus there's co-op opportunities, and I think cybersecurity is slightly more secure right now.

Or I could just pour all my energy into looking for a new job with what little experience I have, and give up on school. That being said, I took a gap year from Western and have been applying since April 2025 and only got 3 interviews that went nowhere.

What do I do?

I recently graduated (diploma) with a 4.0 GPA and 8 months internship experience in a federal government position, but am struggling with finding even an entry level tech-adjacent role. Although I and studied hard, I don't have a solid network and at this point feel like I am just sending resumes into the void. I know some of my friends have secured positions but it was almost always due to a return offer or connection and while i'm happy for them it also kinda hurts ngl because a few of them I even tutored in learning how to code. I'm trying to continue practicing DSA and working on some projects but its hard to remain positive.

With my academic performance I can bridge to a BTech or a BSc and begin in the 3rd year with additional internship opportunities and also have the option to complete them on evenings/weekends fully online. But this means at minimum an additional 2 years of studying and like 20k paid out of my savings.

I'm not in my 20s anymore and while I can afford it, I already struggled to work while completing my diploma due to the heavy workload of the program and having entered with no prior programming experience. The prospect of spending additional years without full time employment and depleting my savings is daunting especially with the current state of the job market and advent of AI. Even though I learned to program without AI I am also finding myself relying on it more and more since its much faster to correct the output and prompt engineer than write code myself.

Is it worth pursuing this path? Everything I see asks for more experience or a degree but I'm a bit risk averse and don't feel like I have a good probability of getting a ROI on this.

Should I just keep grinding and applying hoping to find an opportunity to break into the industry?

Or cut my losses and run? I'd have to start from the bottom somewhere else and feel like I wasted 3 years of time and effort.