Djannzjkzxn, thanks for responding. You speak the truth: referrals are the top way to find work.

To your suggestion: nearly all my coworkers from all my former jobs are academics, with permanent positions at their home institutions. That hasn't stopped me from reaching out, of course, but by this point I've worked my network as much as I know how to do, and while it's gotten me a bit of interest, it hasn't gotten me anywhere substantial.

I do appreciate your mentioning this angle. I'll have another look through my alumni directory, LinkedIn, etc. and see if I've missed anyone.

When I have reached out to my network I have good luck not asking them if ithey need help, but if they know anyone who needs help--makes the ask easier too. And the more specific the help you can offer the better.

Automation engineer > software engineer > job

Also suggest joining local and tech focused slacks, as it seems a lot of jobs come across those nowadays.