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7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Build A Monthly Tech Newsletter Using Free Substack Platform

Substack offers a no-cost entry point for creating a monthly tech newsletter, letting writers engage with up to 500 subscribers without charges. This allows content testing and audience growth before any monetization is considered. The platform provides easy options for importing existing mailing lists, which may be helpful for those moving from other services. Focusing your content on a particular technology sub-niche can help you attract a more targeted audience. While keeping subscribers engaged can be difficult, Substack does have some guides and materials to aid consistent content delivery.

Substack provides a way for creators to control their subscription options – free, paid, or donation-based – letting the reader decide how much they value the work. It's noteworthy that by 2023, over a million people were subscribed to newsletters on the platform, a potential signal of a shift in how folks access information, or perhaps a temporary fad. The platform isn’t just for text either; audio, video and images can be included which allows for different learning styles. It appears some studies have indicated newsletters might improve information retention better than social media. Substack’s analytics supposedly offer metrics on reader engagement and this could be a good resource to tailor content. Importantly, it is also advertised that creators hold on to their content and lists – a welcome claim with all the privacy concerns lately. One also does not seem to need deep tech knowledge to use the platform which might open it to more users. Studies also hint at the development of community and loyalty through regular newsletters. There is an avenue to connect directly with readers through a comments section. Some creators claim that it has generated serious income with quality content without requiring substantial upfront investment; however this is not a guarentee of success for all.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Start An Open Source Code Review Project on GitHub

Starting an open source code review project on GitHub can be an engaging way to collaborate with others while sharpening your programming skills. This undertaking demands careful planning, an understanding of open source licenses, and commitment to community engagement for meaningful contributions. Engaging with issues identified as "Good First Bugs" or "Mentored Bugs" can ease newcomers into the project and provide valuable learning experiences. Utilizing project management tools can also aid in organizing tasks effectively as the project develops. Given the potential for tech layoffs in 2024, such a project offers a low-investment way to enhance your portfolio and expand your professional network.

Open source code review efforts aim to decrease the discovery time for security flaws. It's argued that code looked at by peers tends to have fewer errors, speeding up the fixing process, and that's important for current security. Involvement in such reviews can lead to skill improvements, potentially speeding up a programmer's ability to learn. Some claim that working in open source promotes collaboration, and might lead to increased career happiness for those involved – something employers seemingly look for. Code review projects tend to bring in varied contributors with different skill sets, and that, it is asserted, leads to different problem-solving. It is said that this process tends to help with project documentation as well; since the better the code reviews the better the docs. It has been indicated that contributing to such reviews may raise a developer's standing among peers. Supposedly, those in open source are looked at more positively, due to collaborative skills and project contributions, and this can lead to better opportunities. Use of automated review tools in projects might shorten the review process, allowing reviewers to focus on trickier aspects. Open source reviews seem to allow for global teamwork, proving that collaboration is doable across distances. Engaging in code reviews is seen by some as an opportunity to learn best practices in the field. The developers involved seem to adopt code standards that improve code quality. Projects with code reviews seem to see improved maintenance. This can be seen through lowered levels of technical debt and more sustainable coding, aligning quality and project longevity.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Launch A Tech Bug Bounty Testing Service From Home

Launching a tech bug bounty testing service from home presents an interesting possibility for those seeking to take advantage of the rising need for cybersecurity help, especially with possible tech sector job reductions in 2024. With a market estimated at $15 billion a year, the potential for earnings exists based on the types of flaws found. Bug bounty programs are typically either public or private and depend on the skills of those involved and the business requirements. Though launching such an operation involves strategic thinking and an awareness of various testing procedures, it can be a low-cost side project while boosting both personal know-how and the security of companies. But its critical that you understand how the programs actually work, what it entails and how they fit with risk management approaches to even attempt it.

Another avenue to potentially explore is the world of vulnerability testing via bug bounties. This concept began in the late 90's, with companies trying to find weaknesses in their systems by offering money to outside researchers. The underlying premise is that incentivizing researchers to dig for bugs in code makes the product better. There are reports that suggest over half of all cyber breaches might have been prevented if such tests had been in place.

It seems there are more and more organizations embracing what some refer to as "ethical hacking", with thousands of active bug bounty programs. Given that a lot of cyber breaches stem from human mistakes, actively trying to expose weak points appears to be a good idea, and seems to suggest a need for folks who can test systems from their homes, which could be an advantage. It is documented that companies routinely spend large sums of money on such programs, with high payouts for critical vulnerabilities found by folks on these programs. Data also indicates that companies who do engage multiple hackers tend to see a huge benefit in their rate of detection, as multiple perspectives on flaws are often useful.

Supposedly, proper planning of such a bounty can drastically lower how long it takes to fix bugs, something that appears to be important when one considers how many security threats are out there these days. There are some reports showing the cost per breach decreases in organizations using these programs, an advantage one might want to look into. There seems to be a psychological component in all this as well; some hackers simply find the thrill of finding vulnerabilities more interesting than regular work. It is important to note that organizations that decide to open up to bug bounty hunters see vulnerabilities found quicker after the program’s launch, according to some reports, indicating a boost in their ability to handle security threats. And on that note it appears that organizations without these services appear to be more prone to attacks. This all might be another area worth examining more deeply, should the proper expertise, tools and methodology be in place.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Create Weekend Programming Workshops For Kids

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Creating weekend programming workshops for kids offers a chance to introduce technology in a fun and engaging way. These sessions can be a chance to teach kids problem-solving, collaboration and even basic coding skills. Ranging from very basic to more complex software project development, these types of workshops allow young ones to explore their own interests through hands on experience. This approach aims to foster independence and creativity, giving a break from the regular daily routine. As job losses become a greater threat, especially in the tech industry, initiatives like these not only help teach valuable tech skills to children, but provide chances for others in the field to share and apply their experience. By teaching the next generation the basics of coding these workshops contribute to a future more comfortable with tech while giving a viable creative path for those looking for low cost ways to help their local communities.

A potential low-investment side project might be weekend programming workshops for kids. It is worth noting some places provide free workshops (sometimes these require kits), however starting your own could possibly be another way to boost income. It appears that exposing children to programming early is being studied for its impact on cognitive development, seemingly boosting their logical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. These workshops appear to be adaptable for different ages, including children as young as five, suggesting teaching methods are flexible and can be adjusted to fit a variety of developmental stages. Workshops can incorporate varied methods like auditory, visual, and hands-on activities, potentially engaging children with different learning styles. Group coding projects may also assist in fostering collaboration, social skills and communication which could also be beneficial in their personal lives and school settings.

There is a suggestion that when children learn to deal with coding mistakes, they seem to build resilience and improve their ability to deal with challenges. It also seems worth looking at that some data indicates countries which emphasize computer science are performing better internationally in science and math. If children are involved with coding early, it is being speculated that might lead to a stronger career path in STEM related fields. It appears that a major benefit of programming workshops could stem from their usage of real world problems in learning scenarios, which is suggested to be beneficial to making tech knowledge more accessible and useful. Furthermore, parental involvement in such activities seems to further impact a child's interest in the subject. Given the fact that many tech sectors seem to be lacking qualified workers, these workshop ideas could potentially act as a route for the next generation of tech talent.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Develop A Browser Extension For Job Market Analysis

Developing a browser extension for job market analysis can be a practical way to engage with current tech trends while addressing the needs of job seekers. Such a tool can effectively aggregate and analyze job descriptions and keywords, helping users optimize their CVs for specific roles. Not only does building a browser extension require a solid grasp of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, but it also allows creators to experiment with new functionalities in a relatively low-risk environment. However, should developers pursue this idea, they need to carefully design it to respect user privacy by avoiding data storage. In a job landscape ripe for disruption, creating resources like these could prove invaluable for both the creators and the job seekers who benefit from them.

Browser extensions are compact programs that run inside web browsers, offering ways to tweak or expand a web site’s functionality. Creating one can be a useful exercise in web development. Think of them as small, targeted tools. An extension's functionality often depends on two main parts: a content script that directly manipulates a website, and a background script or service worker that manages things behind the scenes, running silently in the background. Such an approach might offer you insights in developing such small software programs. An extension I recall saw practical use in enhancing an old, difficult-to-use report writing application, which was impressive. This points to possible applications of this type of small web apps. It also provides a practical and fun way to test your web development skills, without needing a lot of commitment. The development time also can be quite low for smaller apps.

You can also use this for practical purposes like simplifying duplication of cloud infrastructure resources, or collecting and displaying cloud metrics from a service – both areas that have large industry adoption. There appears to be a trend of making extensions for job seekers, like the DropIn extension, showing potential for tools that aid folks navigating this environment. These extensions also let you create new frontends based on existing services; since they are written using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, along with other frameworks if you want them. Some extensions can even utilize the existing backend of services (like Twitter’s search capabilities) which seems practical for small apps if you don’t have a lot of experience to do backends. All of this goes to show there are various ways to use extensions in a meaningful way as side projects, and they also can be monetized for revenue, though perhaps not always. It would be smart however to consider user privacy from the very start. It's better to avoid saving personal information and provide functions that don't require any user data to still have practical value.

Analyzing the job market seems like another area where browser extensions could provide benefit. Imagine an extension that could automatically pull key details and terms from job descriptions, for instance, so users can refine their CVs to match job specifics, which seems like a good optimization technique.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Set Up A Local Tech Skills Exchange Network

Establishing a local tech skills exchange network can be a refreshing avenue for community engagement amidst a shifting tech landscape. By fostering a collaborative environment where individuals can share their expertise and resources, this initiative promotes learning and skill enhancement without hefty investments. This network can serve as a platform for individuals to assess and improve their technical capabilities, which is increasingly vital given the evolving demands of the industry. Moreover, it encourages diverse community involvement, empowering participants to broaden their skill sets while also building connections that could lead to future opportunities in an unpredictable job market. Such an initiative not only helps individuals grow but also strengthens the local tech ecosystem, making it more resilient in the face of potential layoffs.

One potentially overlooked area to explore might be starting a local tech skills exchange. It is intriguing to consider how such a network could benefit individuals seeking to expand their technical know-how during this time of potential job insecurity. The main idea here seems to be about creating an environment where people with different tech skill sets can come together to share their knowledge, and also learn from one another. However, there seem to be a number of considerations about such an undertaking.

For example, some seem to forget that peer-based learning is actually a useful method of instruction. It appears that research is pointing to the idea that individuals retain more knowledge in such settings than they do in formal classroom environments. This might suggest that a locally organized exchange program might be more effective than some folks think. Additionally, there is seemingly more to consider than just the skills people might have that are not being noticed, a study is suggesting people often underestimate their own skill sets. Such networks have the potential to bring hidden talents to the surface. It seems that a network can lead to opportunities that might have never been available, with some data showing most job openings are filled through networking rather than formal means.

This exchange idea might have a greater impact on local economics than what some assume, with reports stating that companies who participate in these types of exchanges can see a boost in their productivity. There is a suggestion that teaching enhances a person’s own knowledge of that topic, hinting at a mutual benefit for people in both roles, where by those doing the teaching also are learning. It is further noted that these local exchanges could help drive startup efforts. It is suggested those communities with such systems show a greater chance of success for startups. And there may be hidden tools and resources locally that a network could bring to the surface which seems beneficial, since some data suggests costs for starting tech initiatives in areas like these are greatly reduced.

Such exchanges could potentially create some interesting relationships between the younger and older generations, with research pointing to benefits not just in knowledge transfer, but in mutual respect. In an area that has these active tech skills exchanges there might be increased involvement with STEM programs, possibly meaning communities that invest in tech see a higher interest in it overall. Engaging in sharing activities also seems to benefit a person’s self confidence as well as team building, as various surveys seem to indicate this type of peer-to-peer learning really has a huge impact in the personal aspects of a person's character.

7 Low-Investment Side Projects to Start Before Tech Layoffs Peak in 2024 - Build A Tech Layoff Data Visualization Dashboard

Creating a tech layoff data visualization dashboard could offer a clearer picture of the significant job cuts, with over 95,000 tech workers impacted so far in 2024. Given ongoing restructuring and reduced job security, such a project is not just about displaying numbers, but also about presenting data trends. The dashboard, if designed well, could track layoffs across various companies. It could also help show which companies are having major job cuts. With continued job market instability, looking closely at layoff data may be a starting point for serious discussion about the future of work in tech.

A tech layoff data visualization dashboard could offer some interesting insights by highlighting employment shifts. Examining the numbers might expose how larger tech firms sometimes undergo a disproportionately large rate of layoffs, possibly indicating some instability when scaling. The dashboard can also pull data from diverse origins— news stories, employee accounts, and official company reports. Comparing these various points may clarify the real state of employee losses, which could sometimes differ from what firms put out to the public. Sentiment analysis can add an interesting angle by attempting to understand employee feelings in the context of these layoffs. The goal here is to show more than just the hard facts but the impact layoffs have on the affected folks. One could also look at where layoffs are happening geographically. Are some regions getting hit harder than others? Such a regional analysis could be a great benefit for workers looking for work as well as orgs trying to measure their place in the market. By grouping layoffs by industry, a visualization dashboard may also highlight varied patterns. Perhaps software focused jobs get hit harder but other tech areas see more openings, highlighting how the industry is evolving. The dashboard could also show layoff patterns over time - maybe certain months show higher risk. Looking at these shifts could help people be more ready for a more disruptive hiring cycle. Data going back some years might also reveal whether the current issues are unique or a normal part of the cycle. Such a historical look back could be useful for those looking to foresee trends. One could also compare the private and public sector to see how they’re getting affected in different ways. Mergers or acquisitions often trigger layoffs. So tracking them alongside layoffs might illustrate how these events impact job security for everyone across the field. Further, through use of data analysis and modeling, it might be possible to guess future layoffs through old trends and financial issues. This sort of prediction could give folks important information about when the market looks better or worse for job prospects.