dupe, nearly 500 comments here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=11579757

May want to look at smaller companies. They still need tech but it's not all about showing off your nerd skills.

or consulting/contractor with right to hire. Companies put off hiring someone outright for so long they're desperate to bring on a consultant/contractors right away. Then turn around and hire you early cause that can't stand paying the contractor rate.