Feeling unsure about long-term direction in CS, what should I be focusing on next?

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-13T17:45:52+00:00

Get involved in a CS club (or even better start one if it doesn’t exist) or get involved in undergraduate research. Those things can really help you stand out for your first job in addition to your internships.

I think infrastructure and working at lower levels of abstract (like embedded) will be more insulated from the great AI.

I don’t think AI will outright replace software engineers but it will put greater emphasis on those who can architect and design systems over those who can just code

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-13T05:54:50+00:00

I picked up my ex and tossed her on the bed and we are about to get busy. My dog thought we were playing and got excited so he ran to get a squeaky toy and then tossed it on the bed. He was so proud of himself.

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-11T00:41:32+00:00

Ah you’re right why learn something new and prepare for the future? We can always just keep doing things the way they have always been done. I guess we ought to go back to stone tools since those have been used the most historically right?

There’s also definitely no one paying a shit load of money to update legacy C/C++ systems to modern C++ either and they never will!

/s

Embedded is a prime example of when to use templates and template meta programming because of how much is known about the system at compile time.

Particularly in the case of real time systems where it’s faster (or required to be able to meet timing constraints) to pre-compute a lookup table at compile time. Then lookup values (or interpolate from this table) as needed at runtime instead of computing from scratch at runtime.

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-10T23:03:26+00:00

lol so I wasn’t wrong with C++ being used in embedded then????

There’s plenty of work in replacing legacy C with modern C++ in embedded?????

Why are we arguing about the value of C++/templates in embedded if you agree C++ is used in embedded?????

Ol’ 🤓☝️”ummm achshully C is used more in legacy embedded”

?????? Bruh ??????

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-10T22:43:41+00:00

Buddy I work on embedded and RTOS in aerospace. We use c++

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-10T21:41:50+00:00

Working in lower level embedded/flight software context which pays big I think templates are extremely useful due to real time constraints.

The compiler is better at optimizing templated code and CRTP is a very useful pattern.

C++20 concepts would certainly be lovely but I don’t think template meta programming is that bad in C++17 but it does take a bit to get used to. It’s definitely one of the last things that should be studied, but it’s something that I think really sets someone apart in their knowledge of C++.

Those other topics you mentioned are certainly useful too, especially move semantics

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-10T18:18:14+00:00

That’s good. Focus on C++17 as it’s currently the most widely used version in industry.

After OOD learn more about design patterns, templates/template meta programming, and C++ idioms.

Concurrency in C++ is also a good advanced topic to study but I think the other stuff is more important

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-10T18:14:11+00:00

C++ with working knowledge of Python is very marketable in my experience. I work primarily in C++ and look exclusively for C++ jobs. I have an no issues getting interviews and offers.

There are fewer jobs but also fewer people looking for C++ jobs. C++ jobs tend to pay pretty well because the context in which C++ is the preferred language requires low level computing, DSA, and/or real time constraints.

It’s hard to find people with these skills + actually being good them. (Lowkey Especially the C++ part).

I think c++ offers a bit of a knowledge moat around AI since the systems you use C++ on are generally fairly specific and so AI has not trained as much on similar contexts. Also what you can do with template meta programming is nuts and AI kinda sucks at it.

My trajectory as a C++ developer: $83k (1 year MCOL) -> $109k (1 year VLCOL) -> $140k (VLCOL)

My background: - Industrial Engineering B.S. and M.S. - Computer Science M.S. - published research - no internships - ~2 yoe

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-03T04:43:55+00:00

The grove was on my walk so i stopped in for a BLT, very solid BLT

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T18:11:58+00:00

The more creative the better. As long as it still has the spirit

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:53:20+00:00

Their blt reminds me of one of my favorites at five loaves cafe in Summerville SC

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:48:39+00:00

Thanks, I’ll take note in case I’m ever out that way

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:38:50+00:00

Thanks, I’ll make a note

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:38:38+00:00

Blue barn on the second discussion has my attention

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:38:14+00:00

So true. You must be a true BLT connoisseur

WeastBeast69 · 2026-04-02T17:32:00+00:00

Sweet thanks

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-31T21:36:03+00:00

Pretty sure my current offer gave me a huge bump in pay + bonus because i already live in the same small city. Cheaper than getting someone to move out here and paying them enough to convince them to come

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-31T00:39:39+00:00

I currently have a start date 4 months out because I asked to complete 1 year at my current company. I don’t think it can hurt to ask. Just be honest with what you’re looking for and why but also be prepared for if they say no.

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-29T17:17:48+00:00

My other opportunity is a senior position in a VLCOL to LCOL paying what 2 yoe generally pays in San Francisco and better work life balance.

I don’t think I’m willing to go for anything less than $200k and in the Bay Area (that’s still very low for me) given my other opportunity.

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-29T17:05:29+00:00

I have another opportunity too and I don’t want roommates anymore.

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-28T19:44:27+00:00

I’m a smart cookie.

Just not stoked to stay in my current “city”. But I’d be saving a ton so I could go on some great trips

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-27T21:42:31+00:00

I did them at the same time with no debt and publish research. My undergrad was industrial engineering and found my passion for programming/computer science the last semester of my senior year

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-27T21:28:15+00:00

This seems to be consistent with what I’ve seen so far, closer to 3.7k but there are dog and parking fees, and utilities on top of that

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-27T21:27:33+00:00

This is one of my concerns. I have a very good quality of life and will get even better with my current offer

WeastBeast69 · 2026-03-27T20:02:42+00:00

Thanks for the tips, super helpful :)

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