EyeTechnical7643's journey

I recently lost my job as a data scientist after a short tenure of about six months at a lesser-known company. I made the switch earlier this year, hoping for a better fit, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a poor match. Despite achieving some accomplishments, I didn't pass probation, and the role felt more like an analyst position rather than the data science work I was aiming for. The company culture was also quite toxic, which contributed to my decision to move on. Surprisingly, I'm not feeling too down about this situation. The job was leading me to burnout, and I now have the opportunity to focus on what I truly want, which is transitioning into AI engineering. I appreciate having this extra time to upskill in AI and consider potential side hustles. Thankfully, my savings provide me with a comfortable runway for the next few years, so I'm not overly concerned about immediate income stability. However, I do want to minimize any gaps on my resume and ensure that this time is productive. I'm considering reaching out to recruiting agencies for contract jobs, as I've never done this before. My goal is to find a role that allows me to work less than 40 hours a week while engaging in meaningful projects. Any advice on how to navigate this transition would be greatly appreciated!

I recently faced a setback in my career after failing my probation period at a remote data analyst position I took on in February. With five years of experience as a data scientist at a global company, I made the decision to leave that role for what I thought would be a more manageable job that allowed me to work from home. The appeal of remote work was strong due to personal reasons, and I was hoping to have more time to focus on a side gig. Unfortunately, after six months, I was let go because my skills in Excel and PowerPoint weren't up to par. My manager heavily relied on these tools, and I found myself not doing any real coding or data science, which was disappointing. Despite the stress and time commitment, I realize now that getting let go might not be the worst outcome. On the bright side, I have $750k in savings and will be moving back in with my supportive parents. This situation gives me the opportunity to dedicate more time to my startup, which focuses on building an online business leveraging AI. I believe that even if my startup doesn’t succeed, the experience will be invaluable for my career. Now, I’m considering my options. I could look for another remote job to keep the paycheck coming, but the job market is tough and I have a six-month gap on my resume. Alternatively, I could focus on my startup and upskill in AI over the next six months. I think the second option is better for my career in the long run, especially since I have the financial cushion to take this risk. The entrepreneurial path has always appealed to me, and now I have a chance to pursue it more seriously.