Advice please
Hi guys,
I'm a software engineer from Morocco, and I recently started my first job at a startup that leverages AI to build a large SaaS platform aimed at helping companies with their recruitment process. The software is not live yet, so I can't share a demo with you.
I joined this company as a broke student with barely a penny, but now I'm doing a bit better for my age. Since it's a startup, they don't pay me very well, and the product is still in development. We expect to launch in 1 to 2 months. (By the way, I still have one year left before I graduate.)
My main concern is that I dedicated the past year to learning and spending all my time coding and improving my skills. However, I now feel somewhat stuck in my current job because I’m basically their best engineer, meaning I don’t have anyone more experienced to learn from.
So, my question is: Should I stay in this company and ask for a raise once the SaaS goes live, or should I look for another job? The issue is that job opportunities in Morocco aren’t great—most of them are not remote, and since I’m still a student, I can’t work onsite. I’ve also been struggling to find open positions abroad.
I have about a year of experience, and I believe my skill level is decent for my age and experience. After reading all this, what advice would you give me, my senior brothers? I’d really appreciate your insights (please be nice!).
3 Replies
I'm only 2 years senior from you and from Indonesia. We're in a similar condition regarding the job market, with startups imploding left and right here.
First thing i'll say is there's basically no downside to looking for opportunities. At best you'll find out you're worth more and you can move or use that as a leverage for a raise at your current company. At worst you'll get a reality check and can learn where your skills are lacking
Second, do you believe in the startup and do you have a stake in it? If so i personally would want to see how it does after launch, at least for a bit. Being the best engineer in an emerging startup would definitely afford you unique opportunities
Then don't forget about other ways you can get 'unstuck'. You can network other ways, like using social media or by going to a conference. You can also do side projects if you can find the time, at this early stage i'd prioritise learning than actually trying to ship a product. That way you can try out a bunch of stuff and skip the busywork of polishing
Lastly i'd say be patient. like you said the job market isn't great right now and finding good jobs are tough. It sounds like you're in an ok position right now, no reason to rush decisions. Unless of course there's other reasons you feel stuck, like being burned out or something like that. Personal anecdote, i got my current job after looking for over a year. It isn't the best pay but it's remote and it's a great team. I had to skip some other opportunities for that
Good luck!
Thank you so much for your kindness and advice, I appreciate it 🤍
Looking at other opportunities won’t hurt you and if you find better then you can choose which is better for you
I don’t know about the Moroccan market firsthand! But many friends told it was better to freelance there
For me personally i try to learn new stuff that im not exposed to at work. It helps me not feel stuck, maybe it will come handy later